ALBERT

Description: Mediterranean ecosystems are characterized by large arid areas where the patchy distribution of trees offers little protection against harsh climate conditions for seedling establishment. Climate change is predicted to result in an increase in these arid regions, with pronounced effects on vegetation. Production of seedlings with developed ectomycorrhizas is a promising strategy for minimizing the initial transplant shock, thereby increasing plant survival and growth during the first, most critical years of a plantation. One important species in the Mediterranean basin is Quercus suber (cork oak), which occurs, together with other evergreen oak species, in an agro-silvo-pastoral system that represents an example of sustainable land use in Europe. In this study, a Pisolithus tinctorius isolate was used for ectomycorrhizal colonization of cork oak nursery seedlings, and the effects on aboveground plant growth and leaf structural and physiological parameters were investigated. Ectomycorrhizal development resulted in a significant increase in leaf area, dry weight, nitrogen content, and photosynthetic pigments, and mycorrhizal plants showed a higher photosynthetic capacity and water use efficiency. Nursery-inoculated plants established in the field showed increased survival and growth during the first year after transplant. These results indicate a potential for further enhancing the use of mycorrhizal inoculation as a cultivation practice in forest nurseries. Considering the difficulty of soil restoration under limiting environmental conditions, nursery inoculation with ectomycorrhizal fungi can be an important advantage for improving the quality of seedling stock and its performance after out-planting in the field, benefiting the regeneration of arid regions and the reintroduction of inocula of ectomycorrhizal fungi into these areas.

Description: Forest managers often estimate gains from site preparation treatments during plantation establishment using the reduction in time required to grow a given yield compared with a control (when treatments are employed compared to when they are not employed). Two types of responses to treatments have been identified; temporary changes that offer a time gain that becomes constant after site changes cease to affect growth (type I) and persistent changes that result in a continuously increasing time gain throughout a crop rotation (type II). An alternative to this statistical approach is to use a hybrid physiological/mensurational model of forest production that explicitly represents growth processes underlying observed responses. We compared a regional hybrid growth and yield model with a purely mensurational one for representing observed responses in two site preparation experiments in the Central North Island region of New Zealand. Simulations were initiated with crop measurements following the first 5 years of growth in the two experiments, along with reasonable estimates of impacts of site preparation on sites and growth processes. These estimates of site changes were made prior to the simulation and were not varied after simulation results were known. The hybrid model successfully predicted a type I response following weed control and a type II response following soil cultivation, while the mensurational model failed to represent the type II response. Growth in basal area without soil cultivation was underestimated by 3 m 3  ha −1 , leading to an overestimate of gain. A hybrid modelling approach is therefore an alternative to a purely statistical time gain analysis that can provide useful estimates of gain so long as changes to sites and growth processes made by site preparation are well understood.

Description: Poplar ( Populus spp.) is one of the most important economical tree species in temperate regions of the world. Easy propagation by cutting has made most of the selected genotypes of poplar available for intensive plantation with large genetic gains. Critical point for successful propagation of cutting is the development of roots. Thus, rooting context of the cutting appeared to be a pivotal scenario in poplar vegetative propagations. In this overview, we focus on the progress in defining the genetic, physical, chemical and environmental factors that influences the poplar cuttings to develop adventitious roots. These factors include genotype effect, physiological conditions of the stock plants, plant growth regulators, temperature, rooting substrates/media as major variables for the development of rooting events.

Description: To assess the potential to integrate somatic clones (SC) of desired characteristics in production of high genetic quality seed, controlled crosses between different SCs of black spruce ( Picea mariana (Mill) B.S.P.) were used to assess their suitability for the production of viable pollen, cones, seeds and seedlings. These SC produced male and female strobili at an early stage. Pollen, cones and seeds produced were characterized (mass, size, germination); their characteristics were similar to those produced by trees in natural forests or seed orchards. A maternal effect was demonstrated for the cone size and seed mass. Although seeds had excellent germination rates, the somatic biparental crosses were divided into three distinct groups with different germination curves using the Weibull function. Seeds from controlled crosses between different SC enabled the production of high morpho-physiological quality seedlings in a forest nursery. Using black spruce as a model, we showed, for the first time, that SC can be used as seed producers. These encouraging results open new perspectives on the tangible integration of somatic embryogenesis (SE) in the chain of seed, vegetative propagation (cuttings and SE) and production of plants for high productivity plantations. Controlled crosses can be made between SC with the desired characteristics (fewer large branches, fewer nodes, good growth, high wood density, performance, improved yield, etc.), vegetative propagules produced and deployed to clonal tests. After elimination of the worst performing SC, clonal tests can be converted into seed orchards that produce a new generation of seeds of high genetic quality. This will allow the rapid introduction of new materials in elite breeding programs of forest species.

Description: Comparisons of plantation scale productive capacity and productivity were undertaken for first and second rotations of Pinus radiata plantation on clay soils in NSW, Australia where rotation length was about 30 years. Over a rotation, where there were no significant additions of nutrients, there were small declines in productivity from the first to the second rotation while productivity increased in the third rotation usually due to changes in management. On sites treated with significant quantities of phosphate fertilizer (50 kg P ha −1 ) in the second rotation, there were significant increases in the productivity of the second rotation with a residual effect into the third rotation. The early growth in the second rotation may be higher than the first rotation but the growth changes with age. Rotation length productivity appears to be related to the magnitude of soil nutrient pools. Nutrients such as calcium, potassium and boron appear to be affecting long term growth even though the foliage levels are much higher than normally considered limiting for growth. Most of the differences in productivity between rotations appear to be related to soil nutrients or management changes while potential genetic gains as estimated from experimental trials, are difficult to identify.

Description: Fall nutrient loading of deciduous forest nursery seedlings is of special interest because of foliage abscission and varied translocation patterns. For non-deciduous seedlings in the nursery, fall fertilization typically can reverse nutrient dilution and possibly increase nutrient reserves; however, this technique has received little attention with deciduous conifer trees that translocate nutrients before abscising foliage. We evaluated how fall nitrogen (N) fertilization affected N storage and translocation in the deciduous conifer Olga Bay larch ( Larix olgensis Henry) seedlings during the hardening period. Seedlings were supplied with 25 mg N seedling −1 for 15 weeks before hardening and fall fertilization treatments began with a three week application period of K 15 NO 3 at 0, 5, 10 and 15 mg N seedling −1 . During the hardening period, fall N fertilization had little effect on seedling morphology. The N concentration and content of needles decreased dramatically as needles abscised, while that of stems and roots increased. Six weeks after fall N fertilization ceased, all seedlings translocated similar net N from their needles. For the control seedlings, this accounted for 84 % of the N stored in stems and roots. For fall fertilized seedlings, however, the proportion of N stored in stems and roots translocated from needles accounted for only 41–61 % of the total because of absorption of fall fertilizer that was translocated directly to stems and roots. Six weeks after fall fertilization, the distribution pattern of N concentration and content in seedlings was found in this order: stems 〉 fine roots 〉 coarse roots 〉 needles. Our results suggest that providing deciduous conifer seedlings N during hardening, in this case Olga Bay larch, is a way to promote nutrient loading during nursery production.

Description: Polylepis forests are one of the most endangered high mountain ecosystems of South America and reforestation with native Polylepis species has been highly recommended. Greenhouse bioassays were set up to determine the influence of three different soils on growth and phosphorous nutrition of Polylepis australis seedlings. Soils were collected from a grassland, a rare mature forest and a forest degraded due to repeated fires. We identified the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) present in the three soils and after 12 months we harvested the seedlings to evaluate root and shoot biomass, plant P content and root colonization by native AMF and dark septate endophytes (DSE). The soil inocula contained 26 AMF morphospecies. Grassland inoculum showed the highest AMF richness, and mature forest showed a different AMF community assembly from grassland and degraded forest inocula. Root biomass and root colonization were highest in seedlings inoculated with mature forest soil, meanwhile shoot biomass and plant P content were similar between all treatments. AMF colonization correlated negatively with DSE and root biomass was negatively correlated with DSE colonization, thus these fungal symbionts could be competing for resources. Our results indicate that AMF inoculum from the mature forest stand has the potential to improve P. australis performance, probably due to the dominance of Glomeraceae and Acaulosporaceae families. However, other soil microorganisms could be together with AMF in the natural inocula, affecting the growth response of P. australis seedlings. Future studies evaluating the effect of these inocula under field conditions should be carried out.

Description: The survival and development of Liaodong oak ( Quercus liaotungensis Koidz) stump sprouts were studied for 6 years under leave-tree, as well as 60 and 75% crown closure uniform shelterwood in the Huanglong Mountains of China. Stump sprout survival rate, number of sprouts, and sprout height under the three partial harvests during the first year post-harvest did not differ. Six years post-harvest, 78.32% of the stumps had living sprouts. No variation in sprout survival was found among the treatments throughout the study period. The number of living sprouts per stump was 13.77 ± 0.50 in the first growing season after harvest, and dropped to 6.49 ± 0.22 after 6 years. This result indicated the occurrence of self-thinning within the sprout clumps. Moreover, the height of dominant sprout increased from 52.88 ± 1.62 cm (in the first year) to 132.82 ± 2.35 cm (in the sixth year) post-harvest. Sprout height in the leave-tree harvest type was higher than those in the two shelterwoods in the fifth and sixth years after logging. Annual height growth was approximately 8–96 cm during the first growing season, and then decreased at a rate of 1–44 cm per year in the following years. A negative relationship was found between sprout height and the number of sprouts per stump. This result indicated a trade-off between the number of sprouts and height growth. The number of sprouts per stump decreased by about 0.2 stem for each 1 m 2 /ha increased in residual basal area. Therefore, sprouting may play an important role in the restoration of the secondary forest after harvesting.

Description: Eastern white pine ( Pinus strobus L.) is a moderately shade-tolerant species that co-occurs with hardwood tree species in many forests of the eastern United States, as well as in pure stands. The species is valued for its timber, as well as for wildlife and recreation. Regeneration of this species is somewhat unpredictable and often occurs in patches of similarly-aged cohorts. We described the regeneration patterns of this species and examined their relation to environmental variables within hardwood forests of southwestern Virginia, USA. An average of 5.3 white pine patches per ha were observed in this study. The majority of patches consisted of saplings (85%), with 9% of patches in pole size classes, and 6% in seedling size classes. The average density of patches was 43.5 stems with an average age of 20 years. The size of patches averaged 80.6 m 2 . The total density of seedlings and the number of regeneration patches of all sizes of regeneration (seedlings, saplings, and poles) in plots was related to the surrounding density of large white pine trees (potential seed trees). The density of seedlings or patches was not significantly related to current vegetation cover or soil surface cover variables, but more than half of regeneration patches were located in or adjacent to old canopy gaps, most of which were old logging gaps. While seedling regeneration may occur within the understory of these forests near seed trees, advancement to the sapling and pole stage appears to be associated with canopy gap formation.

Description: The relationship between current and potential distribution in 34 main Spanish forest tree species (data from the Third Spanish Forest Inventory) was determined using a Maximum Entropy functional approximation with climatic data as predictive variables. A method for detecting regional species pools at two different scales: biogeoclimatic classes (CLATERES classification), and forest landscape types (WWF classification) has been proposed. Then, the Absence percentage for a species (i.e. the proportion of landscapes types or biogeoclimatic classes in which the species is included in the regional species pool but is actually not present) was determined. Results show higher figures of Potential Species Richness in the Pyrenees and the Cantabrian Range, while inland or coastal Mediterranean semiarid landscapes have lower figures. Using a classification based on biogeoclimatic variables (CLATERES) improves precision when estimating Absent Species Richness. Absence percentage is zero or close to zero for five species ( Pinus uncinata , Quercus robur , Quercus ilex , Quercus humilis and Juniperus communis ), while for other six species ( Acer pseudoplatanus , Fraxinus angustifolia , Alnus glutinosa , Populus alba , Sorbus aucuparia and Pinus pinea ) the figures are higher than 0.6, which means the species is absent in more than 60 % of the landscapes or biogeoclimatic classes that it could inhabit. The relationships between tree life traits and the absence of species from the ecosystems studied is slight but non-dominant species, species not subjected to forest management, or zonal species are less widely distributed that their climatic potentiality indicates.

Description: Poor seed germination is a significant problem for propagation of teak and it particularly hampers the deployment of genetically improved material into plantations. Seed dormancy is the putative cause for delayed and sporadic germination of teak seed but specific dormancy mechanisms have not been proven. In this paper we investigate whether physical or mechanical dormancy could affect teak germination. Physical dormancy was disproved when we observed water in every examined locule of fruit which had been immersed for 12–24 h ( n  = 1,700 fruits from six diverse sources). Mechanical dormancy was found to affect teak seed germination by means of valve structures which must open for the radicle to emerge. All 1,450 germinating seeds in 16 samples emerged from the endocarp via the detachment of a valve. Germination over 16 days was compared between extracted seeds (ex situ) and seeds within their endocarp (in situ) to determine the effect of mechanical dormancy on germination. Significantly greater germination of the ex situ seeds (62 ± 2% SE; n  = 486) than of the in situ seeds (32 ± 2% SE; n  = 564) indicated that mechanical dormancy is an important factor in the poor germination of teak.

Description: Sphagnum peat has been the most commonly used growing medium in containers in tree nurseries worldwide for its good growing properties. As a result of increasing costs and environmental incentives, seedling-growers are seeking more local growing medium components such as composts. Composts are, however, diverse products with varying chemical, physical, and hygienic properties and therefore require thorough testing before real-world use. In this study, a commonly used compost (raw materials: sewage sludge, biowaste, peat, wood chips) was tested for feasibility as a component (0–30 vol.%) of a sphagnum peat container medium for growing Norway spruce ( Picea abies (L.) Karst.) container seedlings in a forest-tree nursery. In proportions of up to 30% in peat, the compost additive used was shown to be a feasible material for seedling growing in forest nurseries. On average, the seedlings grew best in pure peat, but the compost additions to peat showed no marked reduction in seedling growth in greenhouses, nor were there any effect on seedling growth in the first summer after outplanting. However, a slightly elevated risk of seed non-germination and of seedling mortality was observed when the growing media contained compost in proportions of 20% or more. The compost additive in peat also changed the bulk density, structure, and chemical properties of the medium during nursery growing. The results suggest that seedling watering and fertilisation should be adjusted for each growing medium mix separately to achieve correct water, oxygen, and nutrient availability in containers during nursery growing.

Description: Performances of Pinus taxa were studied to 10 years of age in two trials in each of Misiones and Entre Ríos provinces across the Mesopotamia region of Argentina. Taxa comprised 22 populations from sources in Argentina, Australia, Brazil and Zimbabwe including Pinus elliottii var. elliottii (P ee ), Pinus caribaea var. hondurensis (P ch ), their four, inter-specific hybrids (F 1 , F 2 and backcrosses from F 1 to P ch and to P ee —all as broadly based bulks); other P ee and Pinus taeda (P t ) comprised narrower or unspecified bulks. Variable numbers of taxa were missing at each site. Mean survival across sites at age 10 years ranged 53.2–91.3% averaging 74.2%. Analysis of variance of plot means indicated population effect was statistically significant ( p  〈 0.05) for all or most growth and quality traits at all sites. However, significant differences from the nominated check seedlot at the Entre Ríos sites (P ee , Australia) were extremely rare, while quite common at the northern, Misiones sites (check seedlot a P t population). In the Misiones trials, F 1 , F 2 and both backcross hybrids showed better stem straightness than P ee and P t from Argentina, generally with statistically significant differences ( p  〈 0.05). P t showed lowest forking scores (desirable). Taxon × environment interaction was statistically significant ( p  〈 0.01) for growth traits only ( p  〉 0.05). However, this interaction contributed an average of only 34.1% of the taxon variance suggesting a lack of practical importance. Taxa most suitable for deployment in the Mesopotamia region, Argentina are suggested.

Description: Land use changes are complex ecological processes driven by the interaction of biophysical and human related factors. The prediction of forest land use changes is important for sustainable forest management and biodiversity conservation. This study investigates the modelling process of the spatial dynamics of a forest ecosystem in north eastern Greece. For the prediction of forest expansion, based on land use data of the study area, a deterministic approach using logistic regression and heuristic methods of multi-criteria evaluation is adopted. The set of factors driving forest expansion are: the slope, the distance to roads, the distance to urban areas, the distance to forest, the soil depth, the soil erosion and the influence from the land uses of the neighbourhood. The spatial autocorrelation of driving factors is addressed using an autologistic regression model. The multicriteria evaluation approach is developed using weighted linear combination (WLC) and ordered weighted averaging (OWA) methods. In WLC method the relative importance of each factor was estimated using the analytical hierarchy process. In the OWA method, decision strategies are generated using a selection of relative linguistic quantifiers, which allow different Risk in decisions. The accuracy of the models produced was tested with real data for the year 2001 using the ROC validation method. All the methods produced satisfactory results. Autologistic regression showed slightly better performance than multicriteria evaluation methods due to higher degree of objectivity in defining the importance of driving factors for forest expansion.

Description: Plants can assimilate amino acids from soils. This has been demonstrated in controlled environments and soils of various forest ecosystems. However, the role of root-absorbed amino acids in plant nitrogen nutrition is still poorly understood. We investigated the agroecological performance and nutrient use physiology of two conifers ( Abies fraseri and Pinus resinosa ) and one hardwood species (hybrid poplar) under amino acid fertilization. Arginine fertilizer (arGrow ® Complete) was applied at varying rates (0, 56, 112, 224, and 336 kg N/ha) and compared to an inorganic control treatment (ammonium sulfate 112 kg N/ha). Parameters monitored included tree growth response, foliar nitrogen concentration, and inorganic nitrogen leaching below the rootzone. Results obtained indicate a significant growth and foliar nitrogen response to amino acid treatments, with increasing amino acid application leading to greater growth and foliar nitrogen. However, rates two to three times higher than that of the inorganic control were necessary to provide similar growth and foliar nitrogen responses. These observations were suggested to be due to competition with soil microbes for organic nitrogen, growth inhibition due to the presence of large concentrations of amino acids, or adsorption to cation exchange sites. Amino acid applications did not increase the leaching of inorganic nitrogen due either to the binding of positively charged arginine cations to exchange sites or rapid mineralization followed by plant assimilation. Mineral nitrogen collected in leachate samples increased with the application rate suggesting at least some mineralization in high amino acid application rates. We conclude that growth response and nitrogen use physiology of these species when treated with arginine are largely controlled by soil processes including microbial competition and adsorption. Further studies are being conducted to confirm these hypotheses.

Description: The future of South Africa’s most important pine species, Pinus patula , is threatened by the pitch canker fungus, Fusarium circinatum . Pinus maximinoi and P. tecunumanii represent two subtropical species that provide an alternative to planting P. patula on the warmer sites of South Africa. Extending the planting range of P. tecunumanii and P. maximinoi to include higher and colder altitude sites will reduce the area planted to P. patula and the risk of F. circinatum . During 2007 progeny trials of P. tecunumanii and P. maximinoi were planted on a sub-tropical and sub-temperate site. Shortly after the establishment of these trials, unusually cold weather conditions were experienced across South Africa (−3°C at the sub-temperate site) resulting in severe mortality. This provided the opportunity to assess the variation in survival as a measure of frost tolerance within these two species to determine whether it could be improved upon through selection. Results indicated that the variation in survival was under genetic control in P. tecunumanii (h (0,1) 2  = 0.16, h L 2  = 0.27) and P. maximinoi (h (0,1) 2  = 0.11, h L 2  = 0.23) at the sub-temperate site. Correlations in provenance ranking for survival across sites were high for both species. Moderate correlations in family survival for P. tecunumanii ( r  = 0.52) were found at the two sites. Improvements in cold tolerance can thus be made in both species extending their planting range to include greater areas planted to P. patula thereby limiting the risk of F. circinatum .

Description: The effects of the presence of a medium, seed moisture content, warm and chilling treatments on the germination response of European rowan ( Sorbus aucuparia L.) seeds of Irish origin were investigated with the aim of reducing precocious (or premature) germination and maximising germination after pretreatment. After adjusting seed moisture content, seeds of two lots were subjected to warm treatment for 0–6 weeks followed by 0–50 weeks of chilling. The seeds then were allowed to germinate at a constant 15 °C with 8 h lighting per day or 20 (dark)/30 °C (light). Some seeds were treated in the fully imbibed (FI) state in a medium (standard operational treatment). Seed lot effects were evident, but treatment effects were consistent in each lot. Warm treatment greatly increased germination and reduced precocious germination. The presence of a medium was not required to achieve high germination and seed moisture content close to the FI state was needed to maximise germination. Climate change may reduce the ability of this species to regenerate naturally, favouring other species that require less chilling.

Description: Populus euphratica is a salt tolerant species, and Populus  ×  canescens is a salt sensitive species. Because stress tolerance is mediated by an array of overlapping defense mechanisms, we hypothesized that P. euphratica would confer co-tolerance to heavy metal stress. To test this hypothesis, both poplar species were exposed to 50 μM Cd for 24 h in hydroponic solutions. For the analyses of stress symptoms in roots and leaves, we used nutrient element concentrations and transcriptional responses of 28 stress- and defense-related genes. The roots showed strong Cd accumulation, but less in P. euphratica than in P.  ×  canescens . In contrast, the leaves of P. euphratica accumulated 10-times more Cd than those of P . ×  canescens . Cd-stressed leaves of P. euphratica displayed water loss and wilting. Both species revealed contrasting transcriptional responses of defense genes to Cd stress. In P. euphratica , glutathione reductase, dehydroascorbate reductase and glutathione S -transferases of the theta and tau classes showed increases in transcript levels in response to Cd, pointing to oxidative stress and a strong activation of detoxification mechanisms. In contrast, in P . ×  canescens transcript levels of genes involved in signaling, activation of, and protection from drought stress were significantly increased including glutathione S -transferases of the phi class (early response to dehydration). Our data show that P. euphratica salt tolerance does not confer Cd tolerance and suggest that failure to activate early protection contributed to higher Cd sensitivity in P. euphratica than in P . ×  canescens .

Description: The aim of this work was to study the effects of gap size and age on natural regeneration of endangered tree species Picea mongolica W. D. Xu, which is only found in the semi-arid region of Northern China. For this purpose, six random transect belts of varying size were established in Baiyinaobao Natural Reserve. The number, height and age of P. mongolica saplings were inventoried. Results show that the total number of saplings per hectare and corresponding number and relative share of saplings in height class I (0.1–0.99 m) decreased along with increasing gap size, opposite to height class III (6–9 m). In height class II (1–5.99 m) the number of saplings per hectare and their relative share increased first slightly and then decreased with the increase of gap size. The number of saplings and their relative share in each height class changed similarly with the increase in the distance to the edge of the mature stand ( p  〈 0.05). Gap age also significantly affect the number of saplings per hectare or their height distribution except in height class II. The distance to the mature stand edge played a very important role in the success of natural regeneration for species P. mongolica .

Description: The abandonment of agricultural lands in Northern and Eastern Europe increases the area covered by first generation forests, which are either formed as an outcome of secondary succession or established as plantations. However, questions remain as to how these new stands develop and what kind of species they favour, which in turn has impacts on their ecological and economical value. Our aim was to compare understorey vascular plant and bryophyte vegetation characteristics between naturally regenerated and planted birch stands on abandoned agricultural sites in Estonia, focusing on the aspects of species richness and forest understorey recovery. Species richness and diversity of vascular plants were similar in both stand types but the number of forest vascular plant species was significantly higher in naturally regenerated stands. The bryophyte layer of naturally regenerated stands had a higher species richness, diversity, and number of forest bryophyte species. The higher number of forest vascular plant and bryophyte species in naturally regenerated stands can be explained by the longer undisturbed succession period. The recovery of the forest understorey was unaffected by former agricultural land use (crop field or grassland). The influence of soil properties on the recovery of the forest understorey was not detected, but the number of vascular plant species that grow in forests as well as in grasslands was negatively correlated with distance from forest. Overall, understorey vegetation of natural and planted birch stands did not reveal substantial differences. However, in the case of vigorous natural birch regeneration in the vicinity of forest land, unassisted reforestation should be favoured.

Description: Eucalyptus pilularis planted at three initial stocking densities of 833, 1111 and 1,667 stems ha −1 grown at either square or rectangular spacing was assessed for the effects of stocking and rectangularity on wood properties. Sample trees from each stocking and rectangularity combination were harvested at age 7 years and assessed for the commercially important wood properties of bow, as an indication of growth strain, shrinkage and basic density. Crown length ratio was used as an indicator of stand vigour and clear wood availability. Furthermore comment is made on the financial ramifications of wide inter-row spacing. Stocking and rectangularity significantly influenced bow but not shrinkage or basic density. Reducing within-row spacing to 2 m with a larger between-row-space of 6 m had minimal affect on wood properties. Reducing the number of rows, whilst still retaining a commercial stocking, reduces the establishment costs and increases the ease of mechanical harvesting without adversely affecting log value.

Description: In semiarid and arid areas, it is important to understand the amount of rainfall reaching the ground in order to develop effective water plan strategies for the selection of the tree species for afforestation goals. We measured the rainfall interception and canopy storage capacity of individual trees of Pinus eldarica and Cupressus arizonica growing in an afforested Park located in an arid region of Iran. Correlations between percent relative interception and gross rainfall, mean daily wind speed, mean daily air temperature, and mean daily relative humidity were examined both for the wet and dry seasons. Canopy storage capacity was estimated by indirect methods: the Pereira, mean, minimum, and Gash and Morton. The cumulative mean values of percent relative interception and gross rainfall for P . eldarica and C . arizonica trees averaged 66 and 53 %, respectively. Combining meteorological parameters with rainfall depth only slightly improved the correlation with the percent of gross rainfall lost to interception loss in the dry season for P . eldarica (from 0.87 to 0.90) and C . arizonica (from 0.90 to 0.92). For P . eldarica , the mean estimate of canopy storage capacity was 1.31 versus 1.00 mm in C . arizonica trees. Because the storms in this region are small, the large canopy water storage of P . eldarica will result in greater interception losses relative to C. arizonica . Therefore, afforestation efforts would be better served planting C. arizonica over P . eldarica , if maximizing water inputs is a main management goal.

Description: Some site preparation is generally recommended to enhance the growth and survival of planted and naturally regenerated seedlings, but it must be justified both economically and environmentally. More severe preparation is thought to be necessary for intensive plantation silviculture, e.g., using fast-growing, ameliorated stocks, especially in boreal ecosystems. Although not justified scientifically, deep-planting of seedlings is often discouraged and may even be financially penalized in eastern Canada. We thus evaluated early seedling growth and survival of hybrid larch ( Larix  ×  marschlinsii Coaz) in an experiment including mechanical site preparation and planting depth treatments. Our results suggest that satisfactory early hybrid larch establishment and growth could be met using low environmental impact or low cost treatments (such as soil inversion using an excavator or single-pass disk trenching), and that deeper planting has no negative effect. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to explore causal relationships between factors influencing seedling performance at the local scale (planting microsites), including soil moisture, soil temperature, surrounding vegetation, and seedling nutrition. SEM analysis supported the absence of overall differences among treatments, while also highlighting the negative impact of increased soil water content where drainage was suboptimal, as well as the unexpected positive impact of increased competition on growth mostly through seedling nutrition, among others. These early observations will need to be confirmed over a longer period, as well as with a more comprehensive assessment of site environmental conditions and competition intensity.

Description:    The survival and development of Liaodong oak ( Quercus liaotungensis Koidz) stump sprouts were studied for 6 years under leave-tree, as well as 60 and 75% crown closure uniform shelterwood in the Huanglong Mountains of China. Stump sprout survival rate, number of sprouts, and sprout height under the three partial harvests during the first year post-harvest did not differ. Six years post-harvest, 78.32% of the stumps had living sprouts. No variation in sprout survival was found among the treatments throughout the study period. The number of living sprouts per stump was 13.77 ± 0.50 in the first growing season after harvest, and dropped to 6.49 ± 0.22 after 6 years. This result indicated the occurrence of self-thinning within the sprout clumps. Moreover, the height of dominant sprout increased from 52.88 ± 1.62 cm (in the first year) to 132.82 ± 2.35 cm (in the sixth year) post-harvest. Sprout height in the leave-tree harvest type was higher than those in the two shelterwoods in the fifth and sixth years after logging. Annual height growth was approximately 8–96 cm during the first growing season, and then decreased at a rate of 1–44 cm per year in the following years. A negative relationship was found between sprout height and the number of sprouts per stump. This result indicated a trade-off between the number of sprouts and height growth. The number of sprouts per stump decreased by about 0.2 stem for each 1 m 2 /ha increased in residual basal area. Therefore, sprouting may play an important role in the restoration of the secondary forest after harvesting. Content Type Journal Article Category Report Pages 1-12 DOI 10.1007/s11056-011-9299-z Authors Li Rong, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi, 712100 China Zhang Wenhui, Key Laboratory of Environment and Ecology of Education Ministry in West China, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi, 712100 China He Jingfeng, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi, 712100 China Zhou Jianyun, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi, 712100 China Journal New Forests Online ISSN 1573-5095 Print ISSN 0169-4286

Description:    Economic pressures have driven an ever-widening period during which foresters use machines to plant Scots pine ( Pinus sylvestris L.) seedlings. In Fennoscandia, this period has recently stretched to the entire growing season. To evaluate the performance of seedlings planted during this extended period, three experiments were carried out in Central and Northern Finland over 2 years. One-year-old and current-year seedlings were planted in mounds or disc-trenched furrows when soil temperatures were 〉0°C. When 1-year-old seedlings grown for spring planting and overwintered outdoors were planted after mid-June, more needles browned and growth was reduced, possibly because seedlings were oversized with respect to planting density and the volume of growth media. When current-year seedlings sown in spring were planted from July to November, those planted in late September and October grew less in later years than those planted earlier, but survival was unaffected. No large differences in field performance were found with respect to whether seedlings were planted in mounds or disc-trenched furrows. In conclusion, Scots pine seedlings can be machine planted in mounds or furrows during May and early June (later in the North) and then continued from early August until late September, provided climatic conditions in late spring and early autumn are typical and similar to those experienced in Central Finland. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-16 DOI 10.1007/s11056-012-9307-y Authors Jaana Luoranen, Finnish Forest Research Institute, Suonenjoki Research Unit, Juntintie 154, 77600 Suonenjoki, Finland Risto Rikala, Finnish Forest Research Institute, Suonenjoki Research Unit, Juntintie 154, 77600 Suonenjoki, Finland Journal New Forests Online ISSN 1573-5095 Print ISSN 0169-4286

Description:    Genetic improvement of Eucalyptus genotypes for drought and frost resistance is essential for successful intensive management of commercial plantations. Understanding the physiological mechanisms that relate water use and frost resistance for highly deployed genotypes may allow for better prediction of their future performance, genetic selection and seedling management for site specific purposes. We studied whether instantaneous water use efficiency ( WUE i ) may serve as drought, freezing and photoinhibition tolerance predictor by studying its response on six E. globulus clones (Eg1–Eg6) and four E. globulus  ×  E. nitens hybrid seedlings (Egn1–Egn4) under drought and irrigated (control) treatments. Net photosynthesis ( A ) and transpiration ( E ) were studied using a gas exchange system in order to calculate WUE i ( A / E ). Simultaneous chlorophyll a fluorescence measurements were performed to assess the non photochemical quenching components. Frost tolerance of plants under control and drought treatments were evaluated by measuring temperatures that exert 50% photoinactivation of photosystem II. Finally, drought tolerance was evaluated by plant survival within each genotype after rehydration. Our results showed significant genotype variability in the rate of soil and xylem water potential decrease during drought. While most of the genotypes reached −4.0 MPa in about 35 days of drought, genotypes Eg6 and Egn4 required 56 days of drought to reach this xylem water potential. WUE i exhibited significant differences among genotypes and irrigation treatments. Genotypes Eg5 and Egn4 increased their WUE i between 70 and 80% after drought. This was associated with a more conservative control of water loss at the stomatal level combined with maintenance of relatively higher rates of net photosynthesis than the other genotypes under drought conditions. Plants exposed to drought were more freezing tolerant than control plants, having in average 3°C lower LT 50 than well irrigated ones. There was no a clear correlation between WUE i and drought tolerance or drought-induced photoinhibition, however WUE i was inversely correlated with LT 50 . Our results suggest that WUE i is not suitable by itself to select drought tolerant genotypes, but may provide evidence for discarding drought sensitive genotypes. In addition, it could provide valuable information to select for freezing tolerance. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-16 DOI 10.1007/s11056-012-9305-0 Authors Darío Navarrete-Campos, Facultad de Ciencias Forestales, Universidad de Concepción, Casilla 160-C, Correo 3, Concepción, Chile León A. Bravo, Laboratorio de Fisiología y Biología Molecular Vegetal, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias y Forestales, Departamento de Ciencias Agronómicas y Recursos Naturales, Universidad de La Frontera, Av. Francisco Salazar, 01145 Temuco, Chile Rafael A. Rubilar, Facultad de Ciencias Forestales, Universidad de Concepción, Casilla 160-C, Correo 3, Concepción, Chile Verónica Emhart, Forestal Mininco S.A., Avenida Alemana 751, Los Ángeles, Chile Rebeca Sanhueza, Seed Production Technologies S.A., Quillota, Chile Journal New Forests Online ISSN 1573-5095 Print ISSN 0169-4286

Description:    The Forestry Commission of Zimbabwe initiated a hybrid breeding program of Eucalyptus grandis with E. tereticornis (G × T) and E. camaldulensis (G × C) in order to provide suitable genotypes for planting in areas that are marginal for E. grandis in terms of drought and frost. A total of seven hybrid trials were established at four sites, representative of low to medium rainfall. The female parents were from E. grandis preselected for superior volume production. No pure species were included in the trials to act as controls and allow for estimation of hybrid vigour. Survival, growth and stem straightness were assessed at 18 and 43 months from planting. Survival was generally above 80% for all hybrids across sites. G × C hybrids performed better than G × T hybrids, showing a 20% difference in mean height at 43 months. Female and male variances were generally insignificant ( P  〉 0.05) and in some cases, the estimates were 0. This was not unexpected, as the parents for the hybrids were preselected for superior height, diameter at breast height (DBH) and volume production as pure species. Ratio of dominance to phenotypic variance ( ^ d   2   ) was significant for all traits for all hybrids ( P  〈 0.05). Trait–trait dominance correlations ( r D ) at 43 months between height and DBH were generally large and positive, above 0.6. Type-B dominance correlation ( r BD ) suggested evidence of genotype-by-environment interaction (G × E), but one high elevation site contributed most to the observed G × E. If these results are confirmed in larger mating designs with progeny established on multiple sites, it seems that the most appropriate breeding strategy for E. grandis  ×  E. tereticornis and E. grandis  ×  E. camaldulensis hybrids may be one that exploits both additive and dominance genetic variance, such as the reciprocal recurrent selection (RRS) scheme or RRS with forward selection. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-22 DOI 10.1007/s11056-011-9302-8 Authors Tasiyiwa Madhibha, Forest Research Centre, Forestry Commission, P.O. Box HG595, Highlands, Harare, Zimbabwe Ruramai Murepa, Forest Research Centre, Forestry Commission, P.O. Box HG595, Highlands, Harare, Zimbabwe Cossy Musokonyi, 17 Clarence Street, Macquarie Fields, NSW 2564, Australia Washington Gapare, CSIRO Plant Industry, GPO Box 1600, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia Journal New Forests Online ISSN 1573-5095 Print ISSN 0169-4286

Description:    Forest plantations in the northeastern United States comprise a small proportion of the total forest area. Most plantations are typically softwood dominated and managed for sawlog and pulpwood production, while high-yield hardwood plantations for bioenergy feedstocks have not been as widely investigated. The objective of this study was to compare the biomass production of planted white spruce ( Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) and hybrid poplar ( Populus spp.) plantations (four clones) in monoculture, and in mixture of the two on a typical reforestation site in Maine. Three years following planting, hybrid poplar height and ground line diameter growth rates began to diverge among clones, and by 6 years, the Populus nigra  ×  Populus maximowiczii (NM6) clone clearly outperformed three Populus deltoides  ×  Populus nigra clones (D51, DN10 and DN70) both in pure stands and in mixtures with white spruce. In mixture, we found the yield of white spruce to decline as the yield of hybrid poplar increased. Overall, yields of white spruce monocultures were comparable to those reported in eastern Canada, while the hybrid poplar biomass yields were substantially lower than those reported from studies on abandoned agricultural lands, likely due to the harsher soil conditions at our site. The dominance of rocky and poorly drained sites (like the one tested in this study) across Maine will likely limit the feasibility of widespread hybrid poplar plantations, and thus constrains their potential use as a bioenergy feedstock. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-16 DOI 10.1007/s11056-011-9296-2 Authors A. S. Nelson, School of Forest Resources, University of Maine, 5755 Nutting Hall, Orono, ME 04469-5755, USA M. R. Saunders, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, 715 W. State St., West Lafayette, IN 47907-2061, USA R. G. Wagner, School of Forest Resources, University of Maine, 5755 Nutting Hall, Orono, ME 04469-5755, USA A. R. Weiskittel, School of Forest Resources, University of Maine, 5755 Nutting Hall, Orono, ME 04469-5755, USA Journal New Forests Online ISSN 1573-5095 Print ISSN 0169-4286

Description:    Poor seed germination is a significant problem for propagation of teak and it particularly hampers the deployment of genetically improved material into plantations. Seed dormancy is the putative cause for delayed and sporadic germination of teak seed but specific dormancy mechanisms have not been proven. In this paper we investigate whether physical or mechanical dormancy could affect teak germination. Physical dormancy was disproved when we observed water in every examined locule of fruit which had been immersed for 12–24 h ( n  = 1,700 fruits from six diverse sources). Mechanical dormancy was found to affect teak seed germination by means of valve structures which must open for the radicle to emerge. All 1,450 germinating seeds in 16 samples emerged from the endocarp via the detachment of a valve. Germination over 16 days was compared between extracted seeds (ex situ) and seeds within their endocarp (in situ) to determine the effect of mechanical dormancy on germination. Significantly greater germination of the ex situ seeds (62 ± 2% SE; n  = 486) than of the in situ seeds (32 ± 2% SE; n  = 564) indicated that mechanical dormancy is an important factor in the poor germination of teak. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s11056-011-9298-0 Authors Nigel J. Slator, School of Environmental Science and Management, Southern Cross University, PO Box 157, Lismore, NSW 2480, Australia Andrew N. Callister, Department of Forest and Ecosystem Science, The University of Melbourne, Water Street, Creswick, 3363 Australia J. Doland Nichols, School of Environmental Science and Management, Southern Cross University, PO Box 157, Lismore, NSW 2480, Australia Journal New Forests Online ISSN 1573-5095 Print ISSN 0169-4286

Description:    To test how efficiently plantations and seed orchards captured genetic diversity from natural Anatolian black pine ( Pinus nigra Arnold subspecies pallasiana Holmboe) seed stands, seed sources were chosen from 3 different categories (seed stands (SS), seed orchards (SO) and plantations (P)) comprising 4 different breeding zones of the species in Turkey. Twenty-five trees (mother trees) were selected from each SS, SO and P seed sources and were screened with 11 Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. Estimated genetic diversity parameters were found to be generally high in all Anatolian black pine seed sources and the majority of genetic diversity is contained within seed sources (94%). No significant difference in genetic diversity parameters (numbers of effective alleles, % of polymorphic loci and heterozygosity) among seed source categories was found, except for a slight increase in observed heterozygosities in seed orchards. For all seed source categories, observed heterozygosity values were higher (H o  = 0.49 for SS, 0.55 for SO and 0.49 for P) than expected ones (H e  = 0.40 for SS, 0.39 for SO and 0.38 for P) indicating the excess of heterozygotes. In general, genetic diversity in seed stands has been transferred successfully into seed orchards and plantations. However, the use of seeds from seed orchards can increase the amount of genetic diversity in plantations further. The study also demonstrated that number of plus-tree clones (25–38) used in the establishment of seed orchards was adequate to capture the high level of diversity from natural stands. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-15 DOI 10.1007/s11056-011-9282-8 Authors Burcu Çengel, Forest Tree Seeds and Tree Breeding Research Directorate, Gazi, 06560 Ankara, Turkey Yasemin Tayanç, Forest Tree Seeds and Tree Breeding Research Directorate, Gazi, 06560 Ankara, Turkey Gaye Kandemir, Forest Tree Seeds and Tree Breeding Research Directorate, Gazi, 06560 Ankara, Turkey Ercan Velioglu, Forest Tree Seeds and Tree Breeding Research Directorate, Gazi, 06560 Ankara, Turkey Murat Alan, Forest Tree Seeds and Tree Breeding Research Directorate, Gazi, 06560 Ankara, Turkey Zeki Kaya, Department of Biological Sciences, Middle East Technical University, 06531 Ankara, Turkey Journal New Forests Online ISSN 1573-5095 Print ISSN 0169-4286

Description:    The financial viability of using improved seed material of Scots pine was assessed in Finnish conditions. Based on a few dozen field trials, a range of genetic gains for height growth was incorporated into a stand simulator. Technically genetic gain was modelled into individual growth models by applying the Chapman-Richards type function and using genetic gain estimates as asymptotic scaling parameters. Stand projections, including the effect of genetic gain, were further converted into monetary terms by calculating bare land values, i.e. BLVs according to the Faustman rotation model. Following this, the financial attractiveness of using improved seed material from Scots pine was determined by comparing the BLVs between stands with and without genetic gain. The study focused on the private forest owner’s point of view, reflecting the primary demand conditions for improved seed material. Comparisons between BLVs indicated that using improved seed material of Scots pine would be financially viable for private forest owners in most parts of Finland, the discount rate being 3%. The main results were robust, with pertinent changes in silvicultural costs and stumpage prices. This study demonstrates the need for financial analysis in decision-making in the context of regeneration material. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-14 DOI 10.1007/s11056-011-9284-6 Authors A. Ahtikoski, Finnish Forest Research Institute, Northern Finland Regional Unit, Eteläranta 55, 96300 Rovaniemi, Finland R. Ojansuu, Finnish Forest Research Institute, Southern Finland Regional Unit, Jokiniemenkuja 1, PO Box 18, 01301 Vantaa, Finland M. Haapanen, Finnish Forest Research Institute, Southern Finland Regional Unit, Jokiniemenkuja 1, PO Box 18, 01301 Vantaa, Finland J. Hynynen, Finnish Forest Research Institute, Southern Finland Regional Unit, Jokiniemenkuja 1, PO Box 18, 01301 Vantaa, Finland K. Kärkkäinen, Finnish Forest Research Institute, Northern Finland Regional Unit, Kirkkosaarentie 7, 91500 Muhos, Finland Journal New Forests Online ISSN 1573-5095 Print ISSN 0169-4286

Description:    Estimation of accurate biomass of different forest components is important to estimate their contribution to total carbon stock. There is lack of allometric equations for biomass estimation of woody species at sapling stage in tropical dry forest (TDF), and therefore, the carbon stored in this forest component is ignored. We harvested 46 woody species at sapling stage in a TDF and developed regression models for the biomass estimation of foliage, branch, bole and the total aboveground part. For foliage and branch biomass, the models with only stem diameter as estimator showed greater R 2 . For bole and aboveground biomass, the models including wood specific gravity or wood density exhibited higher R 2 than those without wood density. Also, the model consisting of wood density, stem diameter and height had the lowest standard error of estimate for bole and aboveground biomass. Moreover, the R 2 values are very similar among models for each component. The measurement error of height and the use of a standard value of wood density together may introduce more than 2 % error into the models. Therefore, we suggest using diameter-only model, which may be more practical and equally accurate when applied to stands outside our study area. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s11056-012-9359-z Authors R. K. Chaturvedi, Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005 India A. S. Raghubanshi, Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005 India Journal New Forests Online ISSN 1573-5095 Print ISSN 0169-4286

Description:    The field survival of Pinus patula seedlings in South Africa is frequently below acceptable standards. From numerous studies it has been determined that this is largely due to the pitch canker fungus, Fusarium circinatum . Other commercial pines, such as P. elliottii and P. taeda , show good tolerance to this pathogen and better survival, but have inferior wood properties and do not grow as well as P. patula on many sites in the summer rainfall regions of South Africa. There is, thus, an urgent need to improve the tolerance of P. patula to F. circinatum . Operational experience indicates that when P. patula is hybridized with tolerant species, such as P. tecunumanii and P. oocarpa , survival is greatly improved on the warmer sites of South Africa. Field studies on young trees suggest that this is due to the improved tolerance of these hybrids to F. circinatum . In order to test the tolerance of a number of pine hybrids, the pure species representing the hybrid parents, as well as individual families of P. patula  ×  P. tecunumanii , a series of greenhouse screening trials were conducted during 2008 and 2009. The results indicated that species range in tolerance and hybrids, between P. patula and these species, are intermediate in tolerance to F. circinatum . Within P. patula  ×  P. tecunumanii , large family variation exists when pollen from the high elevation source of P. tecunumanii is used. The results of these studies illustrate the importance of developing pine hybrid breeding programs to overcome the susceptibility of our pure species to pathogens such as F. circinatum . Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-14 DOI 10.1007/s11056-012-9355-3 Authors R. G. Mitchell, York Timbers, Sabie, South Africa M. J. Wingfield, Forests and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa G. R. Hodge, Camcore, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, USA E. T. Steenkamp, Forests and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa T. A. Coutinho, Forests and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa Journal New Forests Online ISSN 1573-5095 Print ISSN 0169-4286

Description:    The Australian hardwood plantation estate has significantly expanded in the last decade. Key production issues included: (1) will Eucalyptus nitens Maiden seedlings produced in nurseries on relatively mild sites be susceptible to transplant shock and browsing on cold out-planting sites and can this be managed? And; (2) what specifications should be required of nursery producers for Eucalyptus globulus Labill seedlings for out-planting on mild ex-pasture sites? This review outlines the research conducted in order to address these key questions. Nitrogen deprivation in the nursery induced accumulation of foliar anthocyanin which conferred hardiness to low temperature. Target specifications of 8–10 g/kg foliar nitrogen are recommended. Height of 〉120 mm, root collar diameter 〉2.8 mm, seedling container volume of ≥85 cm 3 , depth of ≥73 mm, density of ≥549 cells/m 2 and foliar nitrogen concentration of 15–20 g/kg were found to be key specifications for optimal E. globulus growth following planting onto mild ex-pasture sites. Exponential nutrient loading was a useful technique for attaining target foliar N concentrations. Seedling size was found not to affect growth of E. globulus post-planting on mild ex-pasture sites. However, large seedlings were preferentially browsed on high vertebrate-browse-pressure sites in Tasmania (poisons are banned and shooting is not effective on some sites) that did not affect subsequent growth rate but did increase the incidence of double-leaders. The ‘target seedling concept’ is applicable to eucalypts for Australian planting sites: specifications attained in the nursery should be matched to the factors limiting growth on the planting sites. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-15 DOI 10.1007/s11056-012-9321-0 Authors Dugald C. Close, Perennial Horticulture Centre, Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 98, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia Journal New Forests Online ISSN 1573-5095 Print ISSN 0169-4286

Description:    Newly planted seedlings incur transplant stress resulting from poor root-soil contact, which limits access to soil moisture and nutrients and reduces growth for one or more growing seasons. Controlled release fertilizer (CRF) applied at planting may reduce transplant stress by augmenting rhizosphere nutrient availability yet with potential risk of root system damage due to elevated fertilizer salt concentrations, which may be further exacerbated by drought. Under controlled conditions, we examined northern red oak ( Quercus rubra L.) leaf physiological parameters and soluble sugar concentrations in response to varying nutrient levels (via CRF application) and moisture availability gradients ranging from drought to flooding. Net photosynthetic rates, transpiration rates, and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters responded positively to CRF application, and no interactions were observed between CRF and moisture availability; however, CRF did not increase soluble sugar concentrations. No effects of short-term drought were observed, but flooding exerted a rapid negative influence on net photosynthetic rates, transpiration rates, and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters; flooding also elevated soluble sugar concentrations, indicative of disrupted carbon partitioning and a much greater sensitivity to root-zone hypoxia than to drought in this species. Lack of interactions between CRF application and soil moisture availability indicates relatively similar responses of fertilized seedlings across moisture gradients. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-12 DOI 10.1007/s11056-012-9326-8 Authors Joshua L. Sloan, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA Douglass F. Jacobs, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA Journal New Forests Online ISSN 1573-5095 Print ISSN 0169-4286

Description:    Dryocosmus kuriphilus Yasumatsu, an invasive gall wasp originating from Asia, is the latest serious pest attacking Castanea sativa Mill. in Europe; the negative effects on fruit and wood production are considerable. The most effective defense strategy is biological control, but parasitoid effectiveness requires at least 6–10 years to reduce damage to acceptable levels. In Italy, prolonged productivity losses could adversely affect human activity in chestnut orchard stands, resulting in negative socio-economic and hydrogeologic consequences. Thus, it is necessary to quickly reduce the impacts of the infestation to avoid degradation of chestnut stands during the time delay required for parasitoid efficiency. We examined green pruning as a means to reduce negative impacts of gall wasps and stimulate healthy shoots in a young chestnut coppice in Central Italy. Two different pruning cuts (Long- and Short-cut) on growing shoots and four timings of application were tested. The development and phytosanitary status of nodes was observed over 2 years on pruned and control sprouts. Pruning was effective in reducing gall wasp damage though responses varied among pruning techniques and application times. Long-cut pruning made in spring during the full growth phase induced a higher number of new and better-developed shoots. Pruning during the end of the egg-laying period of the gall wasps promoted development of only healthy new shoots. Our results indicate that is possible, by choosing the best combination of time and technique, to identify a pruning method useful to maintain growth and development of C. sativa stands threatened by D. kuriphilus . Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-17 DOI 10.1007/s11056-012-9323-y Authors Alberto Maltoni, Dipartimento di Economia, Ingegneria, Scienze e Tecnologie Agrarie e Forestali (DEISTAF), Università degli Studi di Firenze, Florence, Italy Barbara Mariotti, Dipartimento di Economia, Ingegneria, Scienze e Tecnologie Agrarie e Forestali (DEISTAF), Università degli Studi di Firenze, Florence, Italy Douglass F. Jacobs, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center, Purdue University, 715 West State Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA Andrea Tani, Dipartimento di Economia, Ingegneria, Scienze e Tecnologie Agrarie e Forestali (DEISTAF), Università degli Studi di Firenze, Florence, Italy Journal New Forests Online ISSN 1573-5095 Print ISSN 0169-4286

Description:    Ectomycorrhizal (EM) fungi incorporation in nursery production is necessary for afforestation with exotic tree species and native forests restoration programs. The fact that spore use as EM inocula is inexpensive and effective, makes it an option more realistic than vegetative inoculum production for many regions around the world. To determine spore activity from EM species selected as inoculants for Nothofagus pumilio and exotic conifers planted in Patagonia, two conservation methods were applied (i.e., dried fruit bodies and spore slurries), and their change over time was assessed (over 8–9 months). Spore activity decreased significantly with time for both native and exotic EM species. Conservation methods showed no significant differences for N. pumilio EM species considered together or for exotic conifer EM species. However, spore activity of different EM species behaved differently with conservation method and over time when considered separately. Taxa which better kept spore activity over time were Austropaxillus statuum and Setchelliogaster fragilis for N. pumilio , and Inocybe kauffmanii for exotic conifers. However, considering together fruit body spore density and spore activity, the species Hallingea purpurea and Cortinarius sp. also appeared as suitable for N. pumilio and Rhizopogon roseolus , R. villosulus , Suillus luteus and S. lakei for exotic conifers. Spore density found in EM fungal fructifications were also established in order to estimate fructification weights necessary to apply a reference dose of active spores in inoculation programs. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-15 DOI 10.1007/s11056-012-9357-1 Authors V. N. Bassani, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia, S.J. Bosco sede Esquel Ruta 259 km 4, 9200 Esquel, Chubut, Argentina C. Barroetaveña, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia, S.J. Bosco sede Esquel Ruta 259 km 4, 9200 Esquel, Chubut, Argentina M. Rajchenberg, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia, S.J. Bosco sede Esquel Ruta 259 km 4, 9200 Esquel, Chubut, Argentina Journal New Forests Online ISSN 1573-5095 Print ISSN 0169-4286

Description: Restoring forests: advances in techniques and theory Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s11056-012-9354-4 Authors Juan A. Oliet, Departamento de Silvopascicultura, Escuela de Ingeniería Forestal y del Medio Natural, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain Douglass F. Jacobs, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2061, USA Journal New Forests Online ISSN 1573-5095 Print ISSN 0169-4286

Description:    Decades of deforestation and over logging have created large expanses of degraded lands in many countries including Vietnam. Reforestation may offer one means of mitigating these processes of degradation while sustaining biodiversity conservation. However a lack of information regarding trees, in particular threatened tree species has been identified as an important limitation in being able to reforest for biodiversity conservation. In the current study, conducted in the Tan Phu “protection forest”, the investigation surrounds the feasibility of biodiversity restoration in a fast-growing plantation after logging. Twelve threatened and native species mainly belonging to the Dipterocarpaceae and Fabaceae families have been considered. Seedlings grown in a local nursery have been planted under the canopy of a 50 ha pioneer forest, with a distance of 5 m between plants and between rows. The experimental design consists of blocks, each one with a replication of a 16-tree plot for each species. Four years after plantation, the survival rate of seedlings is high (〉70 %), except for Dipterocarpus costatus (〈10 %). Growth shows possible inhibitions under a closed canopy but the mean annual increment is generally satisfactory. The early performance of the seedlings is promising to make this plantation a good example of biodiversity restoration. These results could enhance the reforestation efforts of forest managers and encourage them to use native tree species including threatened ones in order to restore a high level of biodiversity in tropical degraded forests. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-15 DOI 10.1007/s11056-012-9344-6 Authors J. Millet, Université de Lyon, UMR 5023 Ecologie des Hydrosystèmes Fluviaux Naturels et Anthropisés, Université Lyon 1, ENTPE, CNRS, 6 rue Raphaël Dubois, 69622 Villeurbanne Cedex, France N. Tran, Nong Lam University, Thu Duc District, Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam N. Vien Ngoc, Nong Lam University, Thu Duc District, Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam T. Tran Thi, Tan Phu Protection Forest, Dinh Quan, Dong Nai Province, Vietnam D. Prat, Université de Lyon, UMR 5023 Ecologie des Hydrosystèmes Fluviaux Naturels et Anthropisés, Université Lyon 1, ENTPE, CNRS, 6 rue Raphaël Dubois, 69622 Villeurbanne Cedex, France Journal New Forests Online ISSN 1573-5095 Print ISSN 0169-4286

Description:    Aspen ( Populus tremuloides Michx) has great potential as a reclamation species for mining sites in the boreal forest, but planting stock has shown poor field performance after outplanting. In this study we tested how different aspen seedling characteristics and planting times affect field outplanting performance on reclamation sites. We produced three different types of aspen planting stock, which varied significantly in seedling size, root-to-shoot ratio (RSR), and total non-structural carbohydrate (TNC) reserves in roots, by artificially manipulating shoot growth during seedling production. All three stock types were then field-planted either in late summer, late fall, or early spring after frozen storage. Seedlings were outplanted onto two reclaimed open-pit mining areas in the boreal forest region of central and east-central Alberta, Canada, which varied significantly in latitude, reclamation history, and soil conditions. Overall, height growth was better in aspen stock types with high RSR and TNC reserves. Differences in field performance among aspen stock types appeared to be more strongly expressed when seedlings were exposed to more stressful environmental site conditions, such as low soil nutrients and moisture. Generally, aspen seedlings planted with leaves in the summer showed the poorest performance, and summer- or fall-planted seedlings with no shoot growth manipulation had much greater stem dieback after the first winter. This indicates that the dormancy and hardening of the stem, as a result of premature bud set treatments, could improve the outplanting performance of aspen seedlings, particularly those planted during summer and fall. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-15 DOI 10.1007/s11056-012-9346-4 Authors Simon M. Landhäusser, Department of Renewable Resources, School of Forest Science and Management, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H1, Canada Javier Rodriguez-Alvarez, Department of Renewable Resources, School of Forest Science and Management, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H1, Canada Eckehart H. Marenholtz, Department of Renewable Resources, School of Forest Science and Management, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H1, Canada Victor J. Lieffers, Department of Renewable Resources, School of Forest Science and Management, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H1, Canada Journal New Forests Online ISSN 1573-5095 Print ISSN 0169-4286

Description:    Forest restoration programs using Holm oak ( Quercus ilex ssp. ballota [Desf.] Samp.) have had limited success. The effect of plant provenance on plantation success is uncertain, although some previous studies suggest that some provenances may be better able to tolerate stress. We studied the tolerance to drought in seedlings from two Spanish provenances of Holm oak before and after outplanting. One provenance was from a continental climate with cold winters ( GR ) and the other was from a xeric climate ( HU ). Seedlings were subjected to a water stress test in the nursery during the summer and survival was visually assessed after 2 weeks. In addition, 35 healthy seedlings of each provenance that were not subjected to the water stress tests were used for outplanting experiment. In these plants the seasonal changes in water potential at dawn (Ψ), specific leaf area (SLA), cuticular transpiration (E c ), and loss of xylem hydraulic conductance of twigs (PLC) were measured over 18 months. After the water stress test in summer, mortality was 44.3 % for GR seedlings and 12.6 % for HU seedlings. In addition there were differences between the two provenances in plant water status after planting. The HU provenance had a better water status and was more water conservative in the summer (higher Ψ, lower E c , lower PLC), but not in the winter. The different drought tolerance and water relations parameters of these two provenances indicate that provenance should be considered in forest restoration and conservation programs involving Holm oak. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s11056-012-9347-3 Authors Enrique Andivia, Departamento de Ciencias Agroforestales, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería, Universidad de Huelva, Campus Universitario de La Rábida, 21819 Palos de la Frontera, Huelva, Spain Felipe Carevic, Departamento de Ciencias Agroforestales, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería, Universidad de Huelva, Campus Universitario de La Rábida, 21819 Palos de la Frontera, Huelva, Spain Manuel Fernández, Departamento de Ciencias Agroforestales, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería, Universidad de Huelva, Campus Universitario de La Rábida, 21819 Palos de la Frontera, Huelva, Spain Reyes Alejano, Departamento de Ciencias Agroforestales, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería, Universidad de Huelva, Campus Universitario de La Rábida, 21819 Palos de la Frontera, Huelva, Spain Javier Vázquez-Piqué, Departamento de Ciencias Agroforestales, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería, Universidad de Huelva, Campus Universitario de La Rábida, 21819 Palos de la Frontera, Huelva, Spain Raúl Tapias, Departamento de Ciencias Agroforestales, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería, Universidad de Huelva, Campus Universitario de La Rábida, 21819 Palos de la Frontera, Huelva, Spain Journal New Forests Online ISSN 1573-5095 Print ISSN 0169-4286

Description:    Competitive effects of dense herbaceous vegetation (ground cover) can inhibit forest restoration on mine sites. Here we review the evidence of ground cover interactions with planted tree seedlings on coal surface mines of the eastern US, discuss recent research into these interactions, and draw conclusions concerning ground cover management when restoring forests on reclaimed coal mines. Reclaimed mine sites have a high potential to support productive forests, however forest establishment is inhibited by reclamation practices that included soil compaction, and the seeding of competitive ground covers. In the first few years after tree planting, a dense ground cover of grass and legume species commonly seeded on mine sites often affect growth and survival negatively. Herbaceous vegetation providing less extensive and competitive ground coverage may either facilitate or inhibit tree establishment, depending on site conditions. The use of quality planting stock promotes the competitive ability of seedlings by improving nutrient status and the ability to capture available resources. Herbaceous species have contrasting functional characteristics, and thus compete differently with trees for available resources. Negative interactions with trees are more frequently reported for non-native cool-season grasses than for native warm-season grasses, while the effects of legumes change over time. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of tree/ground cover interactions. The development of seeding mixes that can control erosion, facilitate survival and growth of planted trees, and allow establishment by unplanted native species would aid forest restoration on eastern US, coal mines. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-20 DOI 10.1007/s11056-012-9342-8 Authors Jennifer A. Franklin, Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries, University of Tennessee, 274 Ellington Plant Sci., Knoxville, TN 37996, USA Carl E. Zipper, Department of Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Smyth Hall, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA James A. Burger, Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Cheatham Hall, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA Jeffrey G. Skousen, Department of Plant and Soil Science, West Virginia University, Agricultural Sciences Building 1106, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA Douglass F. Jacobs, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center, Purdue University, 715 West State Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA Journal New Forests Online ISSN 1573-5095 Print ISSN 0169-4286

Description:    Global deforestation and forest degradation have led to massive loss of biodiversity and decline of ecosystem services. Against this prospect, it is important not only to protect, but also to restore forest ecosystems. The paper analyzes the current and future role of the restoration of forests and degraded lands starting with the definition of various techniques, scales and objectives of forest restoration. Three key motivations for and targets of forest restoration are then discussed: forest biodiversity protection, biomass production, climate change mitigation and adaptation. The paper also briefly discusses three tools of increasing relevance for supporting forest restoration policies: the development of forest nursery techniques and the improvement of quality of forest reproductive material, the use of standard and certification tools, and financing of restoration investments, including projects aimed at reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation. We conclude by making some final remarks on the future challenges of forest restoration policies. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-18 DOI 10.1007/s11056-012-9350-8 Authors Lorenzo Ciccarese, Nature Conservation Department, Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Via V. Brancati 48, 00144 Rome, Italy Anders Mattsson, Department of Forest and Wood Technology, Dalarna University, Högskolegatan 2, 791 88 Falun, Sweden Davide Pettenella, Land, Environment, Agriculture and Forestry Department, University of Padua, Via Università 16, 35020 Legnaro PD, Italy Journal New Forests Online ISSN 1573-5095 Print ISSN 0169-4286

Description:    Natural regeneration by strip-clearcut has rarely been used for restocking of evergreen broad-leaved forests in the East Asia. To contribute to a better understanding of the likely reasons for either the successful recovery of these forests or failure, the early response of stand structure and tree species diversity to strip-clearcut were studied in Okinawa Island, southwest Japan. The 4,000 m 2 study area was divided into 10 adjacent sections of equal area with a 10 m × 10 m sampling plot in the center, of which five sections were strip-clearcut while the remaining five sections uncut. Eight-year secondary succession following strip-clearcut showed that the density of woody stems, tree species diversity increased significantly not only in the regenerating stands but also in the residual stands compared to the primary stands. The primary dominant target species, Castanopsis sieboldii , continued to dominate both the regenerating and residual stands although colonizing species invaded abundantly in the stands, occupying approximately one-third of total tree species in each treatment. The community similarity analyses showed that the species composition were similar between the primary stands and the regenerating stands or residual stands reflected the high similarity amongst the primary stands and the regenerating stands or the residual stands. The similar stand structure, high tree species diversity and greater community similarity after strip-clearcut provided no evidence of forest degeneration, suggesting that the regenerating stand might gradually develop into stand similar to that prior to strip-clearcut. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-16 DOI 10.1007/s11056-012-9353-5 Authors Lichao Wu, College of Forest Science, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, 410004 Hunan, China Yanlin Deng, College of Forest Science, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, 410004 Hunan, China Shin Watanabe, Iriomote Station, Tropical Biosphere Research Centre, University of the Ryukyus, Taketomo-Cho, Okinawa, 907-1541 Japan Shinzato Takakazu, Faculty of Agriculture, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, 903-0213 Japan Jie Qin, College of Forest Science, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, 410004 Hunan, China Jie Zhong, College of Forest Science, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, 410004 Hunan, China Jin Zhang, College of Forest Science, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, 410004 Hunan, China Journal New Forests Online ISSN 1573-5095 Print ISSN 0169-4286

Description:    Seed germination and biochemical reserves of maritime pine ( Pinus pinaster Ait.) were studied with the aim of providing germination information for reforestation and conservation programs. Ten natural populations were used to assess variation in seed weight, germination characteristics and biochemical reserves and to examine the relationship between these characteristics. The analysis of variance showed highly significant population effects for seed weight, germination characteristics and protein content in both seeds and the female gametophyte. The mobilization of protein content in female gametophyte during seed germination differed more among populations than sugar content, suggesting that protein content was more sensitive to environment effects than sugar content. A strong positive correlation between germination capacity and the protein content in both seeds and female gametophyte indicated that the best populations in term of germination capacity may also be the richest in protein content. Seeds that were heavier and had a lower speed of protein content mobilization in the female gametophyte appeared to be better adapted to drought conditions. The results also suggested that as much as possible of the potentially valuable genetic variation among populations of this species should be preserved for reforestation and conservation purposes. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-13 DOI 10.1007/s11056-012-9348-2 Authors Nadya Wahid, Institut National des Plantes Médicinales et Aromatiques, Université Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah, BP 159, Taounate, 34000 Maroc Lahouari Bounoua, Biospheric Sciences Laboratory Code 618, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), Greenbelt, MD 20771, USA Journal New Forests Online ISSN 1573-5095 Print ISSN 0169-4286

Description:    Predicting progeny performance from parental divergence would potentially enhance the efficiency of breeding. Thirteen clones of Masson pine ( Pinus massoniana ) were crossed in a 4 × 9 tester mating design and 36 full-sib families were generated. There were significant variations in major growth traits and heterosis of growth traits among the 36 full-sib families. A total of 115 alleles were detected with 30 sets of SSR primers. Genetic distances (GDs) among the crossed clonal pairs were calculated based on SSR data. Parental GDs was significantly correlated with all traits evaluated in the full-sib progeny test ( P  〈 0.05), and the correlation coefficient was 0.398, 0.463 and 0.473 for tree height, DBH and wood volume. Parental geographical divergence was also significantly correlated with growth traits of progeny, while the correlation coefficient was lower than that of GDs. These results demonstrated the potential and feasibility of SSR markers for predicting progeny performance of Masson pine. Considering the influence of genotype × environment interaction effect on the stability of full-sib family performance, our results regarding the moderate contribution of parent GDs in predicting the performance of their full-sib progenies is of importance mainly for the specific region where the progeny test was carried out. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-15 DOI 10.1007/s11056-012-9340-x Authors Yi Zhang, Research Institute of Subtropical Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Da Qiao Road, 73#, Fuyang, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China Qing Yang, Research Institute of Subtropical Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Da Qiao Road, 73#, Fuyang, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China Zhichun Zhou, Research Institute of Subtropical Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Da Qiao Road, 73#, Fuyang, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China Guoqing Jin, Research Institute of Subtropical Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Da Qiao Road, 73#, Fuyang, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China Journal New Forests Online ISSN 1573-5095 Print ISSN 0169-4286

Description:    Drought is one of the crucial factors limiting plant growth and is expected to become even more limiting in many regions as the effects of climate change increase. Knowledge of genetic adaptation to environmental factors can help develop strategies for successful reforestation in arid terrain. In this study, Austrian pine ( Pinus nigra Arnold) seedlings grown from seed collected from 40 open-pollinated families from five Balkan Peninsula provenances were evaluated for survival and growth under imposed drought. Within each provenance, seed was collected from an extremely harsh habitat and from a favorable habitat. One-year-old seedlings, from each provenance, habitat type and open pollinated family were transplanted into three “stressbeds”, each designed to simulate different levels of water availability by filling with varying ratios of crushed stone and soil. Seedling height growth and survival were recorded every 20–30 days from April–September. In all provenances, seedlings grown from seed originating from the harsh habitats had lower survival regardless of stressbed treatment compared to those grown from seed collected from favorable habitats, with the exception of one population from the Višegrad provenance which had high survival rates throughout. Overall height growth was very low and did not follow consistent patterns among treatment groups. Cluster analyses of survival data showed that populations from a similar habitat generally grouped together, regardless of provenance. The lowest and highest survival values were found in seedlings from harsh habitats, while those from the favorable habitats clustered in the mid-range. These results suggest that higher seed quality from productive stands may be the most influential factor determining seedling vigor under drought stress and that genetic adaptation to drought was not detected in adjacent populations having different habitat conditions. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-14 DOI 10.1007/s11056-012-9351-7 Authors Milan Mataruga, Faculty of Forestry, University of Banja Luka, Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina Diane Haase, USDA Forest Service, Portland, OR 97208, USA Vasilije Isajev, Faculty of Forestry, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia Saša Orlović, Institute of Lowland Forestry and Environment, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia Journal New Forests Online ISSN 1573-5095 Print ISSN 0169-4286

Description:    Increasingly private landholders in Hawaii are considering native forest restoration for their lands, and some public agencies have already started such work. Initial efforts have focused on reestablishing Acacia koa to recover alien-grass-dominated sites. This study was done in Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge, Island of Hawaii, to determine the efficacy of disk plowing to stimulate natural regeneration of koa from buried seeds. Sites with four different koa parent tree configurations were treated–single live overhead koa canopy, multiple live canopies, downed snags, and no parent koa tree. Tree growth and survival were assessed periodically over 21 years. Average initial stand densities ranged from 100 to 1,500 trees ha −1 of scarified land, although some open areas had as few as 20 trees ha −1 . The distributions of seedlings with increasing distance from plot center were variable within and between parent tree configurations. Initial seedling density was significantly greater for the multiple-live-parent than for the no-parent configuration. Densities for the single-live and dead configurations differed from the no-parent configuration only when densities were based on the entire scarified area of each plot. Stand densities declined 10–67 % during the next 20 years. Survival was a negative, non-linear function of initial stand density. Initial stand density exerted strong control over stem diameter and crown size at age 21-years, but had little effect on the proportion of trees with single-stems. The relationships between stand basal area and density at 21 years conformed to the existing koa stocking guidelines. While moderate to high densities of natural regeneration can be expected from scarifying around live and dead koa trees, single trees or low density stands are likely in open areas. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-18 DOI 10.1007/s11056-012-9352-6 Authors Paul G. Scowcroft, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station, Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry, 60 Nowelo Street, Hilo, HI 96720, USA Journal New Forests Online ISSN 1573-5095 Print ISSN 0169-4286

Description:    Growing interest worldwide in bottomland hardwood restoration necessitates improved ecological understanding of flooding effects on forest tree seedlings using methodology that accurately reflects field conditions. We examined hardwood seedling survival and growth in an outdoor laboratory where the timing, depth, duration, and flow rate of flood water can be carefully controlled while simulating natural soil conditions occurring in floodplains. Flooding treatments were initiated in mid-May and included partial inundation (15–20 cm) during the growing season for 5-week flowing, 5-week standing, 3-week flowing, and control. We monitored the vigor, survival, and growth (changes in basal diameter and stem length) of six hardwood species representing a wide range in expected flood tolerance including eastern cottonwood ( Populus deltoides Bartr. Ex Marsh.), pin oak ( Quercus palustris Muenchh.), swamp white oak ( Q. bicolor Willd.), bur oak ( Q. macrocarpa Michx.), black walnut ( Juglans nigra L.), and pecan [ Carya illinoensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch]. All stock was 1-0 bareroot except that cuttings were used for eastern cottonwood. Five species—eastern cottonwood, bur oak, swamp white oak, pin oak, and pecan—exhibited high survival probabilities (〉0.62 for cottonwood; 〉0.77 for the others) regardless of flood treatment. But of the survivors, only eastern cottonwood and swamp white oak maintained positive growth and healthy green foliage. Despite high survival, bur oak and pin oak suffered stem growth losses and exhibited chlorotic foliage in flood treatments suggesting greater vulnerability to other abiotic or biotic stresses if outplanted on flood-prone sites. Pecan also suffered stem dieback in controls suggesting vulnerability to competition and browsing when outplanted despite high survival after flooding. Our quantitative data helps to confirm and/or refine previously published qualitative flood tolerance ratings for these species, and describes operation of an in situ outdoor flood experiment laboratory that may prove effective in guiding future flood tolerance research. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-16 DOI 10.1007/s11056-012-9331-y Authors John M. Kabrick, USDA Forest Service, Northern Research Station, University of Missouri, 202 Natural Resources Building, Columbia, MO 65211, USA Daniel C. Dey, USDA Forest Service, Northern Research Station, University of Missouri, 202 Natural Resources Building, Columbia, MO 65211, USA J. W. Van Sambeek, USDA Forest Service, Northern Research Station, University of Missouri, 202 Natural Resources Building, Columbia, MO 65211, USA Mark V. Coggeshall, Center for Agroforestry, University of Missouri, 203 Natural Resources Building, Columbia, MO 65211, USA Douglass F. Jacobs, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2061, USA Journal New Forests Online ISSN 1573-5095 Print ISSN 0169-4286

Description:    Oaks ( Quercus spp.) are one of the most important tree taxa in the northern hemisphere. Although they are dominant in mixed species forests and widely distributed, there are frequent reports of regeneration failures. An adequate population of large oak advance reproduction is a critical prerequisite to successful oak regeneration, and hence sustainability of oak. But, many oak forests lack sufficient density of large and competitive oak advance reproduction. Artificial regeneration of oak by underplanting is done to supplement natural populations of oak seedlings or to introduce oak in stands where it is missing. Planting high quality seedlings is important. Silvicultural practices that regulate stand density such as thinning and the shelterwood method are needed to increase oak’s regeneration potential by promoting accumulation and growth of natural and planted seedlings before the final regeneration harvest. Control of competing vegetation and herbivory are important elements in the regeneration prescription. Light in the understory is a limiting factor to the accumulation of large oak advance reproduction. Light levels (20–50 % +) sufficient for biomass production in oak reproduction result through management of stand density and other competing vegetation. We review and synthesize the literature on silvicultural approaches to using artificial regeneration to obtain successful oak regeneration that is grounded in fundamental principles of oak biology and ecology. Principles of oak regeneration presented here may also have relevance to other hydric, mesic and dry-mesic forest environments. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-24 DOI 10.1007/s11056-012-9330-z Authors Daniel C. Dey, Research Foresters, USDA Forest Service, Northern Research Station, 202 Natural Resources Building, Columbia, MO 65211, USA Emile S. Gardiner, Research Forester, Southern Research Station, USDA Forest Service, Stoneville, MS 38776, USA Callie J. Schweitzer, Research Forester, Southern Research Station, USDA Forest Service, Normal, AL 35762, USA John M. Kabrick, Research Foresters, USDA Forest Service, Northern Research Station, 202 Natural Resources Building, Columbia, MO 65211, USA Douglass F. Jacobs, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA Journal New Forests Online ISSN 1573-5095 Print ISSN 0169-4286

Description:    Post-fire salvage logging (i.e. felling and removing burnt trees, often eliminating the remaining woody debris) is a practice routinely performed by forest managers worldwide. In Mediterranean-type ecosystems, salvage logging is considered a measure to reduce future reforestation costs, but this assumption remains largely untested. We made a cost analysis of different management schemes, addressing the immediate post-fire burnt-wood management as well as the costs and success of subsequent reforestation efforts. Two experimental 25-ha plots were established in a burnt pine reforestation of SE Spain, in which three replicates of three post-fire treatments were applied: non-intervention (NI), partial cut plus lopping (PCL; felling and lopping off the branches from most of the trees, leaving all biomass in situ), and salvage logging (SL). After 4 years, a mechanised reforestation was undertaken, and seedling mortality was monitored for 2 years. The cost of all management operations was recorded in situ, and the cost of re-planting the dead seedlings was estimated according to the expenses of previous reforestation. Initial cost of wood management was greatest in SL and zero in NI. Reforestation cost was highest in NI and lowest in SL, and seedling-mortality rates proved lowest in PCL (43 % vs. 51 % and 52 % in SL and NI, respectively). Considering all the post-fire management operations, salvage logging did not provide particular economic advantages for forest restoration, and had an overall cost of 3,436 ± 340 €/ha. By contrast, NI and PCL reduced total restoration costs by 50 and 35 %, respectively, and PCL indeed promoted restoration success. We suggest that the full cost of management operations needs to be considered when evaluating the economic implications of post-fire salvage logging. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-13 DOI 10.1007/s11056-012-9327-7 Authors Alexandro B. Leverkus, Departamento de Ecología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain Carolina Puerta-Piñero, Unit 0948, APO AA, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, 34002-0948 Washington, DC, USA José Ramón Guzmán-Álvarez, Grupo de Investigación Silvopascicultura, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain Javier Navarro, Sierra Nevada National Park, Consejería de Medio Ambiente, Junta de Andalucía, Granada, Spain Jorge Castro, Departamento de Ecología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain Journal New Forests Online ISSN 1573-5095 Print ISSN 0169-4286

Description:    Reduction in size and tissue nutrient concentration is widely considered to increase seedling drought resistance in dry and oligotrophic plantation sites. However, much evidence indicates that increase in size and tissue nutrient concentration improves seedling survival in Mediterranean forest plantations. This suggests that the ecophysiological processes and functional attributes relevant for early seedling survival in Mediterranean climate must be reconsidered. We propose a ecophysiological conceptual model for seedling survival in Mediterranean-climate plantations to provide a physiological explanation of the frequent positive relationship between outplanting performance and seedling size and nutrient concentration. The model considers the physiological processes outlined in the plantation establishment model of Burdett (Can J For Res 20:415–427, 1990 ), but incorporates other physiological processes that drive seedling survival, such as N remobilization, carbohydrate storage and plant hydraulics. The model considers that seedling survival in Mediterranean climates is linked to high growth capacity during the wet season. The model is for container plants and is based on three main principles, (1) Mediterranean climates are not dry the entire year but usually have two seasons of contrasting water availability; (2) summer drought is the main cause of seedling mortality; in this context, deep and large roots is a key trait for avoiding lethal water stress; (3) attainment of large root systems in the dry season is promoted when seedlings have high growth during the wet season. High growth is achieved when seedlings can divert large amount of resources to support new root and shoot growth. Functional traits that confer high photosynthesis, nutrient remobilization capacity, and non-structural carbohydrate storage promote high growth. Increases in seedling size and nutrient concentration strongly affect these physiological processes. Traits that confer high drought resistance are of low value during the wet season because hinder growth capacity. We provide specific evidence to support the model and finally we discuss its implications and the factors that may alter the frequent increase in performance with increase in seedling size and tissue nutrient concentration. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-16 DOI 10.1007/s11056-012-9328-6 Authors Pedro Villar-Salvador, Departamento de Ecología, Universidad de Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, 28871 Madrid, Spain Jaime Puértolas, Centro Nacional de Recursos Genéticos Forestales “El Serranillo”, Ministerio de Agricultura, Alimentación y Medio Ambiente, Apdo. 2025, 19080 Guadalajara, Spain Bárbara Cuesta, Departamento de Ecología, Universidad de Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, 28871 Madrid, Spain Juan L. Peñuelas, Centro Nacional de Recursos Genéticos Forestales “El Serranillo”, Ministerio de Agricultura, Alimentación y Medio Ambiente, Apdo. 2025, 19080 Guadalajara, Spain Mercedes Uscola, Departamento de Ecología, Universidad de Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, 28871 Madrid, Spain Norberto Heredia-Guerrero, Departamento de Ecología, Universidad de Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, 28871 Madrid, Spain José M. Rey Benayas, Departamento de Ecología, Universidad de Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, 28871 Madrid, Spain Journal New Forests Online ISSN 1573-5095 Print ISSN 0169-4286

Description:    Reforestation efforts in dryland ecosystems frequently encounter drought and limited soil productivity, although both factors usually interact synergistically to worsen water stress for outplanted seedlings. Land degradation in drylands (e.g. desertification) usually reduces soil productivity and, especially, soil water availability. In dry sub-humid regions, forest fires constitute a major disturbance affecting ecosystem dynamics and reforestation planning. Climate change projections indicate an increase of drought and more severe fire regime in many dryland regions of the world. In this context, the main target of plantation technology development is to overcome transplant shock and likely adverse periods, and in drylands this is mostly related to water limitations. In this paper, we discuss some selected steps that we consider critical for improving success in outplanting woody plants, both under current and projected climate change conditions including: (1) Plant species selection, (2) Improved nursery techniques, and (3) Improved planting techniques. The number of plant species used in reforestation is increasing rapidly, moving from a reduced set of well-known, easy-to-grow, widely used species, to a large variety of promising native species. Available technologies allow for reintroducing native plants and recovering critical ecosystem functions for many degraded drylands. However, climate change projections introduce large uncertainties about the sustainability of current reforestation practices. To cope with these uncertainties, adaptive restoration approaches are suggested, on the basis of improved plant quality, improved techniques for optimizing rain use efficiency in plantations, and exploring native plant species, including provenances and genotypes, for their resilience to fire and water use efficiency. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-19 DOI 10.1007/s11056-012-9325-9 Authors V. Ramón Vallejo, Fundación de la Comunidad Valenciana Centro de Estudios Ambientales del Mediterráneo (CEAM), Unidad Mixta de Investigación Universidad de Alicante—Fundación CEAM, Parque Tecnológico, C/Charles Darwin, 14, 46980 Paterna, Valencia, Spain Athanasios Smanis, Fundación de la Comunidad Valenciana Centro de Estudios Ambientales del Mediterráneo (CEAM), Unidad Mixta de Investigación Universidad de Alicante—Fundación CEAM, Parque Tecnológico, C/Charles Darwin, 14, 46980 Paterna, Valencia, Spain Esteban Chirino, Fundación de la Comunidad Valenciana Centro de Estudios Ambientales del Mediterráneo (CEAM), Unidad Mixta de Investigación Universidad de Alicante—Fundación CEAM, Parque Tecnológico, C/Charles Darwin, 14, 46980 Paterna, Valencia, Spain David Fuentes, Fundación de la Comunidad Valenciana Centro de Estudios Ambientales del Mediterráneo (CEAM), Unidad Mixta de Investigación Universidad de Alicante—Fundación CEAM, Parque Tecnológico, C/Charles Darwin, 14, 46980 Paterna, Valencia, Spain Alejandro Valdecantos, Fundación de la Comunidad Valenciana Centro de Estudios Ambientales del Mediterráneo (CEAM), Unidad Mixta de Investigación Universidad de Alicante—Fundación CEAM, Parque Tecnológico, C/Charles Darwin, 14, 46980 Paterna, Valencia, Spain Alberto Vilagrosa, Fundación de la Comunidad Valenciana Centro de Estudios Ambientales del Mediterráneo (CEAM), Unidad Mixta de Investigación Universidad de Alicante—Fundación CEAM, Parque Tecnológico, C/Charles Darwin, 14, 46980 Paterna, Valencia, Spain Journal New Forests Online ISSN 1573-5095 Print ISSN 0169-4286

Description:    Forest restoration projects have become increasingly common around the world and planting trees is almost always a key component. Low seedling survival and growth may result in restoration failures and various mechanical site preparation techniques for treatment of soils and vegetation are important tools used to help counteract this. In this article, we synthesize the current state-of-knowledge concerning mechanical site preparation for improved tree establishment when carried out in different forest restoration situations, point out critical research gaps and provide some recommendations for future directions. Mechanical site preparation often results in improved seedling survival and growth. However, if not intensive methods with much soil disturbance are used, it is a rather ineffective tool for controlling competing vegetation. Methods such as scarification, mounding and subsoiling also lead to multiple interactions among soil physical and chemical properties that affect plant survival and growth, and it may be difficult to determine the actual cause–effect relationship of any positive seedling responses. Most research to date on mechanical site preparation and plantation performance has been conducted using a few conifer tree species. Seedling responses differ among tree species and alternative species are often used during restoration compared to production forestry indicating a need for additional research for improved understanding. Several management objectives such as soil protection and increased biodiversity are many times relevant during forest restoration, and mechanical site preparation methods should be implemented carefully because they can have large impacts on the environment. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-24 DOI 10.1007/s11056-012-9332-x Authors Magnus Löf, Southern Swedish Forest Research Center, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 49, 230 53 Alnarp, Sweden Daniel C. Dey, U.S. Forest Service, Northern Research Station, P.O. 202, Anheuser-Busch Natural Resources Bldg., Columbia, MO 65211, USA Rafael M. Navarro, School of Agricultural and Forestry Engineering, University of Cordoba, Edf. Leonardo da Vinci, Campus de Rabanales, 14071 Cordoba, Spain Douglass F. Jacobs, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2061, USA Journal New Forests Online ISSN 1573-5095 Print ISSN 0169-4286

Description:    Over the last century, north-eastern North America has seen the gradual abandonment of much agricultural land that had become unsuitable for modern practices. This shift in land-use has released large areas that are now dominated by early-successional forests with limited mid- and late-successional species regeneration. Enrichment underplanting, with the partial preservation of the existing vegetation to serve as a shelterwood, has been proposed to restore the production of valuable timber. The present study reports mid-term (8–12 year) results from an enrichment planting experiment located at two sites in the St-Lawrence River Valley, eastern Canada. The objective was to identify the required frequency of low-intensity thinnings necessary to secure an optimal density of promising stems of black cherry ( Prunus serotina Ehrh.) and red oak ( Quercus rubra L.). Partial thinning treatments were applied during the 3rd and 7th growing seasons and compared to a single thinning applied at the 7th year. Each thinning treatment increased available light to 20–30 % in the understory (measured the following year at 2 m from ground level). The height of red oaks released twice was almost double that of red oaks thinned only once. The effect on black cherry was less dramatic and significant only at one of the two sites. A higher intensity or an earlier application of thinning regimes may be required for black cherry. The early thinning allowed a larger number of planted trees to react positively to the second thinning. The practice of double thinning over a period of 12 years allowed for the production of a significant number of competitively successful trees for the landowner. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-14 DOI 10.1007/s11056-012-9329-5 Authors Alain Cogliastro, Institut de Recherche en Biologie Végétale, Jardin botanique de Montréal, Université de Montréal, 4101 Sherbrooke est, Montreal, QC H1X 2B2, Canada Alain Paquette, Center for Forest Research, Université du Québec à Montréal, P.O. Box 8888, Centre-Ville Station, Montreal, QC H3C 3P8, Canada Journal New Forests Online ISSN 1573-5095 Print ISSN 0169-4286

Description:    In the Canadian boreal forest, conifer plantations are mainly used to overcome poor natural regeneration following harvesting or wildfires. However, competitive interactions can impair the successful establishment of forest plantations, especially in the presence of ericaceous species, such as Kalmia angustifolia , that are good competitors for soil resources. We used data from a silvicultural trial established in northwestern Quebec (Canada) to test the hypothesis that Kalmia ’s effect on seedling growth is an asymptotic nonlinear function of proximity to Kalmia at time of planting. Our main objective was to derive species-specific thresholds of Kalmia -proximity tolerance at the time of planting for boreal sites prone to Kalmia invasion following harvesting. Using nonlinear quantile regressions (90th percentile), height, diameter and growth of planted Picea mariana and Pinus banksiana seedlings over 8 years was regressed against the initial distance to the nearest Kalmia stem at time of planting. We also investigated the relation between annual growth and the distance to nearest Kalmia stem during any given year between age 2 and 8-years. Finally, we evaluated how mechanical soil scarification influenced Kalmia recovery over time by looking at its rate of spread, estimated from mean distance to planted seedlings over 8 years. Silvicultural treatments increased the intercepts and asymptotes of all variables for Pinus . However, asymptotic values for Picea could not be identified, thus precluding threshold assessment for initial distance to Kalmia at planting for this species. For Pinus planted on scarified sites, a Kalmia -free radius of 60 cm would lead to ~80 to 85 % of the 90th percentile of maximum potential height at age 8 years. Mechanical scarification created Kalmia -free microsites that were rapidly re-invaded by spread of Kalmia ; planting immediately following soil preparation of these sites is therefore important for ensuring successful plantation establishment. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-20 DOI 10.1007/s11056-012-9324-x Authors Nelson Thiffault, Direction de la recherche forestière, Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune du Québec, 2700 rue Einstein, Québec, QC G1P 3W8, Canada Geneviève Picher, Direction de la recherche forestière, Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune du Québec, 2700 rue Einstein, Québec, QC G1P 3W8, Canada Isabelle Auger, Direction de la recherche forestière, Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune du Québec, 2700 rue Einstein, Québec, QC G1P 3W8, Canada Journal New Forests Online ISSN 1573-5095 Print ISSN 0169-4286

Description:    In addition to regeneration through seed, certain eucalypts are able to regenerate via the production of coppice shoots following felling, which can then be selectively thinned over time and managed as a coppice stand for the commercial production of timber. Little information could be found if tree form differs between coppiced (where one or two stems had been left per stump) and planted eucalypts, or whether different volume taper models would need to be developed. To determine if this was necessary, rotation-end stem taper data was collected from an Eucalyptus grandis × E. urophylla and an E. grandis × E. camaldulensis trial to compare volume taper equations for planted versus coppiced commercially grown Eucalyptus clonal hybrids. For treatment comparisons, taper data were collected from the parent crop (1R), the replanted crop (2R), as well as from coppiced stands where either a single (Cop_Sngl) or double stem (Cop_Dbl) had been left per stump. S tem taper functions used for treatment comparisons indicated differences between clones, as well as between treatment, with the models based on single stems (1R, 2R or Cop_Sngl) being significantly different from those containing two stems (Cop_Dbl). Despite any non-significant model differences (for example between 1R, 2R and Cop_Sngl single stem crops) the percentage magnitude of any bias in utilizable volume differences when comparing the individual models (between a 6.31% over-prediction to a 3.8% under-prediction) still needs to be taken into account as these differences may have importance in terms of the volume and product prediction. Content Type Journal Article Pages 129-141 DOI 10.1007/s11056-011-9275-7 Authors Trevor Morley, Institute for Commercial Forestry Research, PO Box 100281, Scottsville, 3209 South Africa Keith Little, Institute for Commercial Forestry Research, PO Box 100281, Scottsville, 3209 South Africa Journal New Forests Online ISSN 1573-5095 Print ISSN 0169-4286 Journal Volume Volume 43 Journal Issue Volume 43, Number 2

Description:    An in vitro plant regeneration protocol via indirect organogenesis from morphogenetic callus was established for Casuarina cunninghamiana Miq. Effects of plant growth regulator NAA (naphthaleneacetic acid) and BAP (6-benzylaminopurine), sucrose and AgNO 3 on callus induction, adventitious bud differentiation and shoot development were examined. Explants used were epicotyl fragments from 45-day-old seedlings. The largest callus (4.29 mm in diameter) was obtained after 1 month on a basic culture medium consisting of Murashige and Skoog ½ macro- and full strength micro- elements, Nitsch and Nitsch vitamins, supplemented with 0.54 μM NAA, 3.30 μM BAP, and 30 g L −1 sucrose. The calli were subcultured in the same medium above for 2 months. They were then cultured for another 2 months for adventitious bud differentiation and shoot development. The highest mean adventitious bud differentiation, number of shoots formed per callus and number of shoots ≥2 cm long per callus (47.50%, 27.38 and 4.75, respectively) were achieved on the above medium modified with NAA at 0.27 μM and supplemented with AgNO 3 1 mg L −1 . Shoots were successfully rooted without plant growth regulator and the rooted plantlets survived and grew normally. This protocol for in vitro plant regeneration provides a tool not only for vegetative propagation but also for plant genetic transformation and gene function studies of C. cunninghamiana . Content Type Journal Article Category Report Pages 143-154 DOI 10.1007/s11056-011-9277-5 Authors Qingbin Jiang, Research Institute of Tropical Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, No. 682 Guangshan Yi Road, Guangzhou, 510520 People’s Republic of China Yong Zhang, Research Institute of Tropical Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, No. 682 Guangshan Yi Road, Guangzhou, 510520 People’s Republic of China Chonglu Zhong, Research Institute of Tropical Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, No. 682 Guangshan Yi Road, Guangzhou, 510520 People’s Republic of China Bingshan Zeng, Research Institute of Tropical Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, No. 682 Guangshan Yi Road, Guangzhou, 510520 People’s Republic of China Didier Bogusz, Equipe Rhizogenèse, UMR DIADE, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), 911 Avenue Agropolis, 34394 Montpellier Cedex 5, France Claudine Franche, Equipe Rhizogenèse, UMR DIADE, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), 911 Avenue Agropolis, 34394 Montpellier Cedex 5, France Journal New Forests Online ISSN 1573-5095 Print ISSN 0169-4286 Journal Volume Volume 43 Journal Issue Volume 43, Number 2

Description:    Foliar nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) concentrations of 5 Symphyomyrtus ( E. botryoides , E. cladocalyx , E. microcorys , E. nitens , E. saligna ) and 7 Monocalyptus ( E. agglomerata , E. baxteri , E. globoidea , E. muelleriana , E. obliqua , E. pilularis , E. regnans ) species were determined for each of four hill country microsites; upper shady, lower shady, upper sunny and lower sunny slopes. ANOVA and correlation analysis were used to identify species and microsite effects, and nutrient associations. Significant ( P  ≤ 0.0014) species differences were identified for all nutrients, E. botryoides and E. saligna generally had high nutrient concentrations while stringybark species were low, particularly for N and K. Subgeneric contrasts revealed that Symphyomyrtus species had significantly higher concentrations of P ( P  = 0.05) N, K and Ca ( P  〈 0.0001) but lower Mg ( P  〈 0.0001) than Monocalyptus . Microsite had less influence on nutrient concentrations than species. N was strongly positively correlated with P and K in most Symphyomyrtus species but was not correlated with P in Monocalyptus . Mg was positively correlated with Ca but negatively correlated with K in most species. The results indicate that Monocalyptus and Symphyomyrtus species differ in ability to accumulate key macronutrients. Content Type Journal Article Pages 255-266 DOI 10.1007/s11056-011-9279-3 Authors J. P. Millner, Institute of Natural Resources, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, 4442 New Zealand P. D. Kemp, Institute of Natural Resources, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, 4442 New Zealand Journal New Forests Online ISSN 1573-5095 Print ISSN 0169-4286 Journal Volume Volume 43 Journal Issue Volume 43, Number 2

Description:    The Nelder (Biometrics 18:283–307, 1962) wheel design allows a researcher to test multiple tree densities in a single plot. Because spatial relationships among planted trees are fundamental to a Nelder wheel, a researcher needs a specific set of layout parameters to establish a Nelder plot. While Nelder (Biometrics 18:283–307, 1962) provides calculus-based equations for determining the required layout parameters, the presentation focuses on derivation of these equations and not their application to forestry research. Other authors have outlined the design of Nelder plots for forestry research, but have done so using trigonometry-based equations. Existence of two layout methodologies in the literature is a source of confusion. In this paper, we present a straightforward means to determine the design parameters critical to the establishment of Nelder plots used within tree density research. The layout equations presented are expressed in terms that allow applied forestry researchers to easily answer the following question. Given the number and range of tree densities I want to evaluate, what are the required Nelder wheel layout parameters? Finally, we provide a step-by-step example of the design and installation of a Nelder plot for a scenario familiar to tree density research and discuss analysis of Nelder wheel experiments. Content Type Journal Article Pages 245-254 DOI 10.1007/s11056-011-9278-4 Authors David L. Parrott, Department of Forestry, University of Kentucky, 210 Thomas Poe Cooper Building, Lexington, KY 40546-0073, USA Joshua S. Brinks, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, 647 Contees Wharf Road, Edgewater, MD 21037-0028, USA John M. Lhotka, Department of Forestry, University of Kentucky, 210 Thomas Poe Cooper Building, Lexington, KY 40546-0073, USA Journal New Forests Online ISSN 1573-5095 Print ISSN 0169-4286 Journal Volume Volume 43 Journal Issue Volume 43, Number 2

Description:    Changing climate conditions will complicate efforts to match seed sources with the environments to which they are best adapted. Tree species distributions may have to shift to match new environmental conditions, potentially requiring the establishment of some species entirely outside of their current distributions to thrive. Even within the portions of tree species ranges that remain generally suitable for the species, local populations may not be well-adapted to altered local conditions. To assist efforts to restore forests and to maximize forest productivity in the face of climate change, we developed a set of 30,000 quantitatively defined seed transfer “ecoregions” across the globe. Reflecting current and future conditions, these were created by combining global maps of potentially important environmental characteristics using a large-scale statistical clustering technique. This approach assigns every 4 km 2 terrestrial raster cell into an ecoregion using non-hierarchical clustering of the cells in multivariate space based on 16 environmental variables. Two cells anywhere on the map with similar combinations of environmental characteristics are located near each other in this data space; cells are then classified into relatively homogeneous ecoregion clusters. Using two global circulation models and two emissions scenarios, we next mapped the predicted environmentally equivalent future locations of each ecoregion in 2050 and 2100. We further depicted areas of decreasing environmental similarity to given ecoregions, both in current time and under climate change. This approach could help minimize the risk that trees used for production, restoration, reforestation, and afforestation are maladapted to their planting sites. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-19 DOI 10.1007/s11056-012-9322-z Authors Kevin M. Potter, Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources, North Carolina State University, 3041 Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA William W. Hargrove, Eastern Forest Environmental Risk Assessment Center (EFETAC), Southern Research Station, USDA Forest Service, Asheville, NC 28804, USA Journal New Forests Online ISSN 1573-5095 Print ISSN 0169-4286

Description:    In boreal forest regions, a great portion of forest tree seedlings are stored indoors in late autumn to prevent seedlings from outdoor winter damage. For seedlings to be able to survive in storage it is crucial that they store well and can cope with the dark and cold storage environment. The aim of this study was to search for genes that can determine the vitality status of Norway spruce ( Picea abies (L.) Karst.) seedlings during frozen storage. Furthermore, the sensitivity of the ColdNSure™ test, a gene activity test that predicts storability was assessed. The storability of seedlings was tested biweekly by evaluating damage with the gene activity test and the electrolyte leakage test after freezing seedlings to −25 °C (the SEL diff-25 method). In parallel, seedlings were frozen stored at −3 °C. According to both methods, seedlings were considered storable from week 41. This also corresponded to the post storage results determined at the end of the storage period. In order to identify vitality indicators, Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) was performed on bud samples collected during storage. Comparing physiological post storage data to gene analysis data revealed numerous vitality related genes. To validate the results, a second trial was performed. In this trial, gene activity was better in predicting seedling storability than the conventional freezing test; this indicates a high sensitivity level of this molecular assay. For multiple indicators a clear switch between damaged and vital seedlings was observed. A collection of indicators will be used in the future development of a commercial vitality test. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-14 DOI 10.1007/s11056-012-9320-1 Authors Eva Stattin, Dalarna University, 791 88 Falun, Sweden Nathalie Verhoef, NSure, Binnenhaven 5, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands Peter Balk, NSure, Binnenhaven 5, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands Monique van Wordragen, NSure, Binnenhaven 5, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands Anders Lindström, Dalarna University, 791 88 Falun, Sweden Journal New Forests Online ISSN 1573-5095 Print ISSN 0169-4286

Description:    We demonstrate, using height data from a clonal trial, how the genomic best linear unbiased predictor method (GBLUP) is ideal for determining future breeding potential in situations (either in plantations or wild stands) where high mortality due to biotic or abiotic factors has occurred. The method is effective because it does not require the development of structured pedigree or classical progeny testing, rather it uses DNA fingerprinting to determine the genealogical relationship among individuals. The resulting genetic network is known as the realized relationship matrix, which in turn is used in classical quantitative genetics analyses to determine the genetic worth of all fingerprinted individuals. Selection of desirable individuals among the surviving population is aimed at maximizing genetic diversity even when the original genetic source is unknown. This is accomplished by determining the number of founder genome equivalents which can be used to estimate the inbreeding effective population size. During the selection phase, genetic diversity can be balanced against genetic gain so that diversity is maximized while gain for any particular attribute is optimized. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s11056-012-9338-4 Authors Yousry A. El-Kassaby, Department of Forest Sciences, Faculty of Forestry, The University of British Columbia, 2424 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada Jaroslav Klápště, Department of Forest Sciences, Faculty of Forestry, The University of British Columbia, 2424 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada Robert D. Guy, Department of Forest Sciences, Faculty of Forestry, The University of British Columbia, 2424 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada Journal New Forests Online ISSN 1573-5095 Print ISSN 0169-4286

Description:    The aim of this study was to examine the influences of early pruning and microsite conditions on the growth and health status of holm oak plantations on former agricultural land in Central-Western Spain. With that purpose, we designed a cross-sectional study to examine the effects of topographic position, gravel surface cover and accompanying vegetation cover on holm oak plantations density, growth (height and basal diameter) and health status. We surveyed three technically identical and multi-patched holm oak plantations dating from 1995, 1998 and 2003, aged 15, 12 and 7 respectively, covering an homogeneous climate and soil area of about 500 ha located in Central-Western Spain. Six hundred and seventy-two pruned and unpruned trees were sampled in 107 systematically sampled plots covering a wide range of site conditions in the studied area. At the tree level, two linear mixed effect models were adjusted for each year under study to explore the influence of pruning and microsite factors on height and diameter. Also at a tree level, a linear mixed effect model was fitted in order to analyze the influence of microsite factors and pruning on the health status of trees. At plot level, we performed a Multifactor Analysis of variance model to explore the influence of the microsite predictor variables and of the age of plantations on stocking. The results revealed that both basal diameter and height were increased by early pruning in all plantations under study. The effects on height and basal diameter of the three microsite parameters analysed varied with the age of plantations. The oldest plantations (15 years old), were affected by the surface gravel cover, while vegetation cover was significant in 12 years old plantations. Slope position was near relevant ( p  〈 0.1) only in the youngest plantations. When significant, a high surface gravel cover was directly related to higher trees and larger basal diameters. Plantations density was significantly affected by the topographic position and, in all the plantations studied, pruned trees were associated with a better health status. Overall, our results show that early pruning and microsite conditions significantly influence the growth of holm oak seedlings. These results suggest that the management and growth modelling of holm oak should take into consideration the spatial distribution of the different microsites represented. Moreover, early- pruning should be considered as a positive practice affecting not only final tree form but also the growth and health status of trees. Finally, our results should lead to for further studies and help for improving future projects in areas with similar conditions. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-17 DOI 10.1007/s11056-012-9335-7 Authors Luis Carlos Jovellar Lacambra, Departamento de Construcción y Agronomía, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain Armando García Martín, Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain Roberto San Martín Fernández, Departamento de Estadística e Investigación Operativa, Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain Journal New Forests Online ISSN 1573-5095 Print ISSN 0169-4286

Description:    The objective of this study is to analyse the performance of Quercus ilex plantations established under semiarid conditions on different soils formed on calcareous and gypsiferous parent material. We studied eighteen 300 m 2 plots in which 1 year-old seedlings had been planted after subsoiling on the contour. Plots were stratified according to aspect (north and south) and previous land use/parent material: shrubland on limestone (LM-SH), shrubland on gypsum rock (GY-SH), and cropland on colluvium (CO-AG). Soils developed on limestone and colluvium had average rooting depths of 27 and 37 cm, respectively, and mean concentrations of active lime and phosphorus (P) of 130 and 190 mg g −1 and 10 and 19 mg kg −1 , respectively. Soils developed on gypsum had a mean rooting depth of 26 cm, and a mean gypsum concentration of 73 %. Height and diameter of trees varied significantly according to parent material/previous land use but not to slope aspect. Mean height and diameter of trees were significantly higher in CO-AG plots than in LM-SH and GY-SH plots. Soil P and depth were the main variables explaining differences in dominant height across all 18 plots. In CO-AG plots mean height was negatively related to soil pH but positively related to soil P concentration. In LM-SH plots, mean diameter and height were negatively related to active lime concentration. This study suggests that soil P is a major determinant of holm oak performance in shallow calcareous soils and highlights the importance of conducting detailed soil studies in order to assess the viability of plantations with this species. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s11056-012-9337-5 Authors S. Pascual, Dept. Medi Ambient i Ciències del Sòl, Universitat de Lleida, Rovira Roure, 177, 25198 Lleida, Spain J. R. Olarieta, Dept. Medi Ambient i Ciències del Sòl, Universitat de Lleida, Rovira Roure, 177, 25198 Lleida, Spain R. Rodríguez-Ochoa, Dept. Medi Ambient i Ciències del Sòl, Universitat de Lleida, Rovira Roure, 177, 25198 Lleida, Spain Journal New Forests Online ISSN 1573-5095 Print ISSN 0169-4286

Description:    Seedling survival and successful forest restoration involves many silvicultural practices. One important aspect of a successful forest restoration program is planting quality seedlings with high survival capability. Thus the nursery needs to create seedlings with plant attributes that allow for the best chance of success once a seedling is field planted. Since the mid-twentieth century, research foresters have critically examined plant attributes that confer improved seedling survival to field site conditions. This review describes the value of commonly measured seedling quality material (i.e. shoot height, stem diameter, root mass, shoot to root ratio, drought resistance, mineral nutrient status) and performance (i.e. freezing tolerance and root growth) plant attributes defined as important in answering the question of why seedlings survive after planting. Desirable levels of these plant attributes can increase the speed with which seedlings overcome planting stress, become ‘coupled’ to the forest restoration site, thereby ensuring successful seedling establishment. Although planting seedlings with these desirable plant attributes does not guarantee high survival rates; planting seedlings with desirable plant attributes increases chances for survival after field planting. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-28 DOI 10.1007/s11056-012-9336-6 Authors Steven C. Grossnickle, CellFor Inc., Saanichton, Canada Journal New Forests Online ISSN 1573-5095 Print ISSN 0169-4286

Description:    Field performance can be predicted by evaluating nursery stock quality, but optimal morphological variables for use in these assessments may vary by species especially under dry Mediterranean conditions. Our objective was to identify initial seedling morphological characteristics that successfully predict field performance of five Mediterranean species ( Pinus halepensis , Quercus ilex , Quercus coccifera , Ceratonia silqua and Pistacia lentiscus ). Container seedling morphology was evaluated following the nursery phase, and then seedlings were outplanted in the field where field survival was monitored for two successive years. Results indicate that survival can successfully be predicted from seedling initial morphological characteristics for all these species, yet not all the initial characteristics were good predictors. Survival of P. halepensis and Pist. lentiscus seedlings was positively correlated to initial seedling root-collar diameter, total dry weight and Dickson’s quality index, and can be reliably predicted by these variables. In contrast, seedling field survival of the two Mediterranean evergreen oak species was correlated with few initial morphological attributes; initial diameter provided an accurate index to predict second-year outplanting survival for both species while height/diameter was a good survival predictor for Q. coccifera seedlings. For C. siliqua seedlings, seedlings with larger initial diameter and total biomass survive better in the field. Thus, diameter was the common variable that accurately predicted survival for all species, which should be 〉5 mm for P. halepensis seedlings and 〉7 mm for the remaining species. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-13 DOI 10.1007/s11056-012-9339-3 Authors Marianthi Tsakaldimi, Laboratory of Silviculture, School of Forestry and Natural Environment, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, PO Box 262, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece Petros Ganatsas, Laboratory of Silviculture, School of Forestry and Natural Environment, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, PO Box 262, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece Douglass F. Jacobs, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center, Purdue University, 715 West State Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA Journal New Forests Online ISSN 1573-5095 Print ISSN 0169-4286

Description:    Increasing plant size has been considered a way to improve survival and growth of planted containerized stock under dry conditions. Additionally, deep planting provides advantages to seedlings in dry areas because roots are placed deeper into the soil where there is likely more water available. In this study, we tested the effect of Zizyphus lotus stock size (300, 400 and 1,000 cm 3 container volume) and planting depth (0 cm and 15 cm below ground level, shallow and deep, respectively) with shelters in a factorial experiment in the arid coastal flats of Southeastern Spain. In the nursery, total biomass of Z. lotus produced in 1,000 cm 3 container volume averaged 219 % of those grown in 300 and 400 cm 3 , although no significant differences were found in shoot-to-root ratio or nutrient status. Root growth potential (RGP) of plants produced in 1,000 cm 3 container (209 mg of new roots dry mass) was significantly higher than those of the two other volumes (63 mg in average), but the ratio shoot mass:RGP did not vary significantly between container volumes. After outplanting, and during the first year, volumetric water content (12–20 cm deep from ground level) averaged 3.9 % higher around the deep- versus shallow- planted treatments. Predawn water potential ( ψ pd ) of seedlings measured in July of the first year differed significantly among planting depths, with lower values for shallow-planted (−3.3 MPa) than for deep-planted (−2.7 MPa) seedlings. However, predawn water potential did not differ among the three container sizes. Survival 40 months after planting was significantly higher for deep-planted seedlings (58.5 %) than for shallow ones (42.7 %), but no differences appeared for container size. PAR radiation at shoot height within the shelter was lower during winter for deep-planted seedlings than for shallow-planted seedlings, and relative differences among planting depths were reduced in summer. Based on survival results, we concluded that deep planting with seedlings of Z. lotus produced in 300 cm 3 container is a very effective way to improve planting success under the arid conditions of our experiment. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-15 DOI 10.1007/s11056-012-9345-5 Authors Juan A. Oliet, Department of Silvopasciculture, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain Francisco Artero, Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Centro de Investigación Forestal, Ctra. de La Coruña, 28040 Madrid, Spain Simón Cuadros, Department of Forest Engineering, Universidad de Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, 14071 Córdoba, Spain Jaime Puértolas, Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YQ UK Lourdes Luna, Department of Forest Engineering, Universidad de Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, 14071 Córdoba, Spain Jose M. Grau, Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Centro de Investigación Forestal, Ctra. de La Coruña, 28040 Madrid, Spain Journal New Forests Online ISSN 1573-5095 Print ISSN 0169-4286

Description:    Pinus pseudostrobus Lindl. is a widely distributed species in Mexico that also occurs in Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador and has been tested outside its natural range in Brazil, Chile, Colombia, New Zealand, South Africa and Venezuela. Due to its great potential, it is necessary to select genotypes capable of increasing its production in the shortest possible time through genetic improvement strategies, where individuals are subjected to conditions forcing them to express their growth potential in advance. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the genetic variation among half-sib progenies and to estimate heritability ( h 2 ) of stem height (SH) and diameter (SD) for seedlings grown under different competitive conditions in a common garden trial. A split-plot experimental design with four replications and three competitive environments (treatments) was used: (I) low inter-family competition (0.25 × 0.12 m), (II) high inter-family competition (0.12 × 0.06 m), and (III) high intra-family competition; 13 half-sib families were assessed, carrying out monthly evaluations for 10 months. Estimated h 2 at individual and family-means levels for both SH and SD varied among competitive environments. For conditions I and II, a trend towards increasing h 2 with age of seedlings was shown, but for condition III, a reverse trend was observed (values close to zero). High genetic stability in SH performance was found in both I and II, and II and III, pairs of environments, as measured by the type-B genetic correlation (0.70 ≤  r B  ≤ 1.0), but it tended to decrease after 9 months, when competition increased; genetic stability in SD was lower (0.20 ≤  r B  ≤ 0.80) in both pairs of the environments that were sampled. It was concluded that the competition conditions used in field trials for genotype evaluation may significantly affect the variance components, estimation of genetic parameters and genotype stability. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-14 DOI 10.1007/s11056-012-9312-1 Authors Víctor Hugo Cambrón-Sandoval, Instituto de Investigaciones Agropecuarias y Forestales, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo (IIAF-UMSNH), Km 9.5 carretera, Morelia–Zinapécuaro, 58880 Tarímbaro, Michoacán, México Nahum M. Sánchez-Vargas, Instituto de Investigaciones Agropecuarias y Forestales, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo (IIAF-UMSNH), Km 9.5 carretera, Morelia–Zinapécuaro, 58880 Tarímbaro, Michoacán, México Cuauhtémoc Sáenz-Romero, Instituto de Investigaciones Agropecuarias y Forestales, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo (IIAF-UMSNH), Km 9.5 carretera, Morelia–Zinapécuaro, 58880 Tarímbaro, Michoacán, México J. Jesús Vargas-Hernández, Forestal, Colegio de Postgraduados, Km. 36.5 carretera, México-Texcoco, 56230 Montecillo, Estado de México, México María Luisa España-Boquera, Instituto de Investigaciones Agropecuarias y Forestales, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo (IIAF-UMSNH), Km 9.5 carretera, Morelia–Zinapécuaro, 58880 Tarímbaro, Michoacán, México Yvonne Herrerías-Diego, Facultad de Biología (UMSNH), Av. Francisco J. Mújica s/n, Col. Felícitas del Río, 58040 Morelia, Michoacán, México Journal New Forests Online ISSN 1573-5095 Print ISSN 0169-4286

Description:    The expansion of tree species within a grassland-woodland matrix relies heavily on an abundant seed crop, which may be affected by many factors; among these, browsing by livestock has gone largely ignored. Here we explore how seed production is affected by tree size, grazing by large domestic herbivores and interannual climate fluctuations in a small-sized tree ( Polylepis australis , Rosaceae), which dominates the remnant forests in the high mountains of central Argentina. Seed number and seed mass per tree were quantified in 100 different-sized trees located in areas with and without livestock. Using seed traps we also determined seed rain variation in 15 plots between 2005 and 2008. The estimated number of seeds per tree ranged from 0 to 224,000 and increased with tree height (power relation); for trees smaller than 354 cm in height, seed production was lower in areas with livestock and higher in areas without livestock. Mass per seed increased with tree height, with no significant livestock effect. The largest seed rain was recorded in 2008, probably due to growth of seed trees and not in response to climate. To promote seed production and forest expansion, livestock should be excluded from areas with small trees, such as forest edges. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-15 DOI 10.1007/s11056-012-9313-0 Authors Julieta Pollice, Centro de Ecología y Recursos Naturales Renovables Dr. Ricardo Luti, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Av. Vélez Sarsfield 1611, X5016GCA Córdoba, Argentina Paula Marcora, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas-CONICET-Argentina, Buenos Aires, Argentina Daniel Renison, Centro de Ecología y Recursos Naturales Renovables Dr. Ricardo Luti, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Av. Vélez Sarsfield 1611, X5016GCA Córdoba, Argentina Journal New Forests Online ISSN 1573-5095 Print ISSN 0169-4286

Description: Erratum to: Phenology, pollination and breeding system of Aegle marmelos (Linn.) Correa (Rutaceae) from India Content Type Journal Article Category Erratum Pages 1-1 DOI 10.1007/s11056-012-9310-3 Authors Vijay Kumar Singhal, Department of Botany, Punjabi University, Patiala, 147002 Punjab, India Atula Salwan, Department of Botany, Punjabi University, Patiala, 147002 Punjab, India Puneet Kumar, Department of Botany, Punjabi University, Patiala, 147002 Punjab, India Jaspreet Kaur, Department of Botany, Punjabi University, Patiala, 147002 Punjab, India Journal New Forests Online ISSN 1573-5095 Print ISSN 0169-4286

Description: The shift from vegetative to embryogenic growth requires tissue to enter a radically different program of development and can be studied in vitro through the development of somatic embryos. From an applied perspective somatic embryogenesis (SE) is expected to play an important role in increasing productivity, sustainability, and uniformity of future forests. For commercial use, SE technology must work with a variety of genetically diverse trees. Since the first reports of SE in Picea abies and Larix decidua in 1985, many different coniferous species have shown the ability to produce embryogenic tissue. However, initiation frequency is often low, many desired seed sources are recalcitrant, and culture survival is often poor, raising costs of somatic seedlings produced from successful genotypes. A number of tools are now available to improve embryogenic tissue initiation and somatic embryo development in vitro that have resulted from analytical studies of seed tissues, the seed environment and gene expression in megagametophyte, zygotic embryos and somatic embryos. Benefits have occurred from medium supplementation with hormones, plant growth regulators, hormone inhibitors and polyamines. Somatic embryo growth has been enhanced with medium supplementation of nutritional components including specific sugar types, vitamins, organic acids, and redox potential modifiers. Control of environmental factors including, water potential, pH, adsorption of medium components by activated carbon and liquid versus gelled medium have also led to SE protocol improvements. The use of analytical studies to duplicate the seed environment in vitro is improving protocol development resulting in increased initiation, improved yields and higher-quality somatic embryos.

Description: Oak ( Quercus spp.) regeneration is an important forest management goal in the central hardwood forest region of the United States. Silvicultural methods that target oak regeneration, such as the creation of canopy openings and removal of shade-tolerant midstory trees, are complicated by the impact of pre- and post-dispersal predators of oak acorns like acorn weevils ( Curculio spp.) and granivorous small mammals. Understanding the effects of forest disturbance created by silviculture on these predators is important to promote successful oak regeneration. We conducted a 6-year study of acorn production, weevil infestation, and acorn removal at 113 black ( Q. velutina ) and white oak ( Q. alba ) trees impacted by three types of silvicultural treatments: adjacent to harvest openings, midstory removal (first-stage shelterwood harvest), and control (no harvest) in south-central Indiana, USA. We observed highly variable acorn production across years, but minimal impact of silvicultural treatments. Levels of weevil infestation and acorn removal by small mammal seed predators also varied greatly, and predation pressure was highest in years when acorns were scarce. Weevil infestation was reduced following midstory removal in shelterwood harvests, but probability of acorn removal by small mammals was unchanged following harvest. Damaged, germinated, and weevil-infested acorns were less likely to be removed by seed predators, suggesting additive effects of pre- and post-dispersal predators. This study emphasizes the importance of considering acorn predators in oak regeneration silviculture, and timing harvests to follow large acorn crops in order to reduce predation pressure and generate a high number of seedlings.

Description: China’s state-owned forest enterprises have been important national timber production bases and their timber resources have been severely degraded during the past decades. About one-third of the state-owned forestland has been classified as commercial forestland, but no economic mechanisms have been laid out on governing timber plantations under market economy. This paper demonstrates the potential investment returns and analyzes factors that directly influence the returns of fast-growing poplar plantations in a state owned-forest enterprise, China Jilin Forest Industry Group (CJFIG), in northeastern China. We examined practically possible ranges of mean annual increment (MAI), general inflation rate, rate of forest fund, and interest rate in the study area. We then computed net present values (NPV), equivalent annual income (EAI) and internal rate of return (IRR) by using the minimum, medium, and maximum values of the each determinant above. Results showed NPV ranged from $1,024 to $6,925 ha −1 , EAI ranged from $120 to $623 ha −1  year −1 , and IRR ranged from 13.2 to 29.3 %. We show that growing poplar plantations could be two times more profitable than managing the existing natural forests in CJFIG by referring to EAI values. Improving MAI is the most effective way to increase both NPV and IRR while changes in the one-time tax at timber harvesting or changes in inflation rate have the least effect on NPV and IRR among the determinants studied. Discount rate, which can be easily manipulated by obtaining subsidies and policy-based loans, also has substantial influence on NPV. The state owned forest enterprises in China have special advantages to obtain relatively high economic returns in developing fast-growing plantation forests under market economy.

Description: Most research on carbon content of trees has focused on temperate species, with less information existing for tropical trees and very little for tropical plantations. This study investigated factors affecting the carbon content of nineteen tropical plantation tree species of ages seven to twelve and compared carbon content of Khaya species from two ecozones in Ghana. For all sample trees, volume of the main stem, wood density, wood carbon (C) concentration and C content were determined. Estimated stem volume for the 12-year-old trees varied widely among species, from 0.01 to 1.04 m 3 , with main stem C content ranging from 3 to 205 kg. Wood density among species varied from 0.27 to 0.76 g cm −3 , with faster growing species exhibiting lower density. Significant differences in wood density also occurred with position along the main stem. Carbon concentration also differed among tree species, ranging from 458 to 498 g kg −1 . Differences among species in main stem C content largely reflected differences among species in estimated main stem volume, with values modified somewhat by wood density and C concentration. The use of species-specific wood density values was more important for ensuring accurate conversion of estimated stem volumes to C content than was the use of species-specific C concentrations. Significant differences in wood density did exist between Khaya species from the wet and moist semi-deciduous ecozones, suggesting climatic and site factors may also need to be considered. Wood densities for these plantation grown trees were lower than literature values reported for the same species in natural forests, suggesting that the application of data derived from natural forests could result in overestimation of the biomass and C content of trees of the same species grown in plantations.

Description: In afforestation, studies of forest edges seldom span the effects of planting design and the self-designing capacities of spontaneous vegetation. This study revisited experimental forest edge sections 16 years after their establishment to assess the impact of five design elements on (1) horizontal and vertical edge structure, (2) growth of planted species and species groups, and (3) spontaneous establishment of woody vegetation. The design elements were: exposure to direct solar radiation; edge typology (shrub mixture, mixture of trees and shrubs, no edge planting); width of edge planting (5 or 10 m); species mixture principle (intimate mixtures or single species grouping); and planting row position from outermost to interior planting row (max. 6 rows). The results demonstrate that edge plantings support significantly more spontaneous woody vegetation than stand boundaries without such edge plantings. This result was consistent across the different design elements. Position across the planting rows from the outermost to innermost row was the most influential design element for the development of planted seedlings. Planted tree and shrub species of similar shade tolerance had contradicting development, where light-demanding pioneer tree species had obtained dominant positions while shade-tolerant shrub species had outgrown more light-demanding species. These results demonstrate that important successional processes can be activated by establishing the initial components and structures of forest edges. When designing such edges, species should preferably be allocated to different row cohorts reflecting their growth form and shade tolerance.

Description: Although many reforestation projects have attempted to mitigate deforestation in the Philippines, most have focused on planting introduced trees, often with low success rates. A smallholder-based project in the Visayas region planted native species instead. This study assessed the growth performance of forty-four native and sixteen introduced species in 25 sites established by this project between 1995 and 2000. Diameter at breast height and total height were measured for 2,789 trees. Mean annual increments for diameter (MAID) at breast height and height (MAIH) were significantly higher for trees planted on limestone-influenced soils (MAID = 1.19 cm/year; MAIH = 1.05 m/year) than on purely volcanic soils (MAID = 0.81 cm/year; MAIH = 0.78 m/year). Growth of two native species, Melia dubia and Terminalia microcarpa, was higher than that of the widely planted exotic Swietenia macrophylla . The height increment for the highest-performing dipterocarp species, Shorea guiso , Shorea contorta , and Parashorea malaanonan , was not statistically different from the MAIH of S. macrophylla . A range of soil characteristics predicted performance, with organic matter predicting growth for six species, and percent nitrogen and percent clay predicting performance of five species. These findings show that certain native species can perform better than some exotic species when planted in open areas. They also disprove the widely held belief in the Philippines that Dipterocarpaceae cannot be planted in grasslands, and suggest that dipterocarps can be used successfully in reforestation. Finally, the findings show that more research is needed on species-site matching and on silvicultural management of native species plantations.

Description: To study the effects of seed soaking on seedling emergence and development in Norway spruce [ Picea abies (L.) Karst.] two commercial seed lots were soaked for 15 h in aerated water. After soaking, floating and sunken seeds were separated and analyzed prior to being sown in peat-filled containers. Seedling development was followed for one growing season. All sunken seeds were viable according to radiography whereas the floating seeds contained a considerable number of larvae filled and empty seeds. Mean time of emergence of the sunken seeds was approximately 1.5 days shorter than control (i.e. dry) seeds and floating seeds. Soaking had no effect on the time taken for most germinants to emerge in both seed lots, thus failing to synchronize seedling emergence. The later a seedling would emerge, the more likely it was for it to die during the growing season or to be culled at the end of the growing season. Soaking had an inconsistent effect on stem diameter at the end of the growing season and no effect on stem or root biomass. Seedling size uniformity was equal in all treatments. This study suggests that soaking and seed sorting does not guarantee a more uniform seedling crop, but this technique may be useful in upgrading poor quality seed lots of Norway spruce containing a high number of empty or larva infested seeds.

Description: A regeneration predictor (RP) has been elaborated to forecast the minimal inter-fire period, required for full recovery (assumed at 1,000 mature stems ha −1 , a typical value for a dense pine forest) of an even-aged, postfire regenerating Pinus halepensis population after a subsequent wildfire, in the future. The study has been conducted in three Aleppo pine forests of northern Euboea Island, Greece. Postfire field surveys of sapling growth, sapling density and reproductive dynamics (cone-bearing population fraction, annual cone and seed production per sapling, canopy seed bank build-up) were carried out for three, consecutive growing seasons (years). Additional postfire parameters, with values estimated from literature data, have been also included in order to devise the RP. In the cases of the three populations studied, the application of this RP provides time-windows for full recovery after a recurrent fire, as short as 10–15, 8–11 and 7–11 years, respectively (values corresponding to best and worst scenarios). It is suggested that in even-aged, postfire regenerating Aleppo pine populations, the minimal inter-fire period required for full recovery can be predicted by monitoring a few selected variables, namely (a) sapling density, (b) vegetative to reproductive shift dynamics, and (c) cones/sapling and germinable seeds/cone, for at least 2 years (either consecutive or 2–3 years apart) at a postfire age of 7–12 years.

Description: The abundance of eastern white pine ( Pinus strobus L.) has been significantly reduced across its distribution range over the past few centuries. The species’ regeneration dynamics is well documented in the centre of its range, but is poorly understood at the northern limit of continuous distribution. To address this knowledge gap, we quantified natural white pine regeneration in unmanaged mature stands, identified the most important variables influencing it, and evaluated the impact of damaging agents, namely white pine blister rust ( Cronartium ribicola J.C. Fisch.), white pine weevil ( Pissodes strobi Peck), and herbivory. We also quantified the influence of remnant stands and residual trees on the spatial distribution of regeneration in logged sites. The results reveal continuous but low recruitment in mature stands. The basal area of balsam fir ( Abies balsamea (L.) Miller) had a strong negative effect on white pine regeneration. Regeneration was more abundant than expected on moister substrates, including moss, decaying wood and organic matter. White pine regeneration was noted in recently logged areas, where distance from remnant stands had a significant effect on the abundance of white pine regeneration. The northern limit of continuous distribution holds potential for white pine restoration, for example by preserving remnant white pine stands that can provide seed sources for natural regeneration in a shelterwood cut system, or in adjacent clearcut areas. This study illustrates that different management strategies should be used near northern range limits, where effects of site conditions and disturbance agents are different than in the center of a species’ range.

Description: Genetic information on adaptive traits is crucial for prediction of the evolution of natural populations in relation to global climate change. The seedling emergence process together with germination is a key adaptive stage in any seeding species. We aim to analyze variability in seedling emergence traits within and among marginal populations of Patagonian Cypress ( Austrocedrus chilensis (D.Don) Pic. Ser. et Bizzarri), which have been suggested to be of conservation relevance. We performed an emergence trial in a greenhouse with seeds collected from 177 open-pollinated trees from 10 populations. A sigmoidal curve was fitted to the cumulative emergence data (in percentage of the sown seeds) for each replicate of each family. Variability was estimated using ANOVA for six variables: emergence capacity ( EC ), emergence energy ( EE ), energy period ( EP ), emergence initiation ( t 10 ), emergence cessation ( t 90 ) and emergence duration ( Dur ). The overall trial mean for EC was 76.2 %, while EE was only 27.6 %. Hence, most seedlings emerged after the energy period, which is interpreted as a bet-hedging strategy. Both “population” and “family” factors significantly affected all variables. The proportions of “family” variances were higher than “population” ones for EC , EE , Dur and t 90 , but the opposite was found for EP and t 10 , which is evidence of differentiation among populations. Variability among families may be due to both genetic and environmental causes, including maternal effects. However, the relatively high proportion of family variability in EC and EE suggests acceptable levels of additive genetic variance, which would not hinder the potential to evolve in these specific traits. Conversely, the chances to adapt in EP and t 10 are lower, and consequently local extinctions driven by global climate change seem possible.

Description: The impacts of wood harvest, biomass removal and inter-rotation site management practices on productivity of Acacia mangium in South Sumatra were studied over 12 years across successive rotations. The productivity measured as MAI increased from 29.4 m 3  ha −1  year −1 in the first to 48.0 m 3  ha −1  year −1 in the second rotation. Whole tree harvesting (total stem, branches and leaves) caused a 21 % reduction in volume compared to harvesting merchantable wood alone in the next rotation. The rates of nutrients accumulation in trees were highest during the first year of growth, and declined from age 2 years. Significant amounts of nutrients were recycled through litter fall from 1 year after planting. Results highlight the importance of management which promotes nutrient supply on stand growth. Removal of slash and litter lowered soil pH, by about 0.1 unit. A small reduction was also found in soil organic carbon and nitrogen in the top soil during the first 3–4 years but values returned to pre-harvest levels by the end of the rotation. Extractable soil phosphorus and exchangeable cations decreased by the end of second rotation but these measures underestimate the nutrient pools available for A. mangium . These findings along with results from other studies have helped to implement operations which promote conservation of site resources for sustainable production in the region.

Description: Eucalyptus globulus is the one of the most economically important trees for pulp and paper industries due to its fast growth and short harvesting cycle. However, E. globulus is well known as a woody plant that is hard to propagate vegetatively. In this study, we found wide distribution of rooting ability among seven independent genotypes we tested. Analysis of the mechanism of adventitious rooting by using the auxin transport inhibitor, N -naphthylphthalamic acid, revealed that polar auxin transport is crucial in root formation. The gravitropism of the stem was highly correlated to the percentage of adventitious root formation. Hormonal analysis showed that the levels of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) were the same between difficult-to-root and easy-to-root genotypes, whereas levels of IAAsp (indole-3-acetyl aspartic acid) were higher in the difficult-to-root genotype, indicating that IAA metabolism might play an important role in adventitious root formation in this species. Levels of several cytokinins exhibited differences between genotypes that varied in their cutting performance and rooting ability. Furthermore, higher level of cytokinin in elongating shoots were correlated with rooting percentage. Taken together, our results indicate that both auxins and cytokinins play a role in adventitious root formation in E. globulus , and that a complex interplay between the levels of auxins and cytokinins and their metabolism might result in root formation in this commercially important plant.

Description: Forest regrowth is expected to gradually mitigate edge effects in forest landscapes fragmented by timber harvest, but our understanding of edge effect persistence and dynamics over time is still incomplete. Our main objective was to take a critical look at the role of forest regrowth in mitigating the initial edge effects on microclimate and understory vegetation in northern hardwood forests of the eastern United States. We compared canopy closure, hourly air temperature, soil moisture, and understory vegetation at increasing distances from forest edges (0, 5, 10, 20, and 30 m) along twelve transects placed across new and older forest edges (3–4 or 16–19 years old) created by forest harvest. Open, new forest edges exhibited pronounced edge effects on microclimate and shade-intolerant plants, but these were almost completely moderated by forest regrowth on the cleared side of older edges where dense young forest developed with a new canopy comparable in cover to adjacent mature forest. There were no initial edge effects on shade-tolerant vegetation across new forest edges, but the shade-tolerant vegetation declined in mature forest near old forest edges adjacent to dense young forest that supported only sparse understory vegetation. These delayed secondary edge effects of young dense forests on adjacent mature forests have not been previously documented and they should be more explicitly included in forest management considerations. We suggest an integrated system for managing and mitigating both the immediate primary and delayed secondary edge effects in those working forest landscapes where biodiversity conservation is of high priority.

Description: Cyclobalanopsis glauca is an important afforestation tree species that is widely used for revegetating the karst region of southwest China. Vegetation in this region is regularly commonly subjected to drought stress because of the geology and water shortages. Here, we investigated the influence of two arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) Glomus mosseae and Glomus intraradices on the drought tolerance of C. glauca seedlings under greenhouse conditions. AMF-treated and non-AMF-treated C. glauca seedlings were maintained under two different water regimes (well watered: 80 % field capacity; drought stress: 40 % field capacity) for 90 days. The AMF colonization rate was higher under well-watered conditions compared to drought stress conditions. The growth and physiological performance of C. glauca seedlings were significantly affected by drought stress. Under drought stress conditions, mycorrhizal seedlings had greater height, base diameter, leaf area, and biomass compared to non-mycorrhizal seedlings. In addition, under drought conditions, AMF-inoculated seedlings had greater superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activity, higher soluble sugar content, and lower proline content compared to non-inoculated seedlings. Furthermore, AMF colonization increased the phosphorus and potassium content of seedling shoots under both well-watered and drought stress conditions. Therefore, AMF colonization enhanced the drought tolerance of C. glauca seedlings by improving growth performance, nutrient content, the quantity of osmotic adjustment compounds, and antioxidant enzyme activity. The results indicate that AMF are of potential use for the restoration of vegetation in the karst region of southwest China.

Description: Faidherbia ( Faidherbia albida ) is being promoted widely in interventions for combating desertification, re-greening of the Sahel, carbon offset and various agroforestry projects. However, there is a dearth of information on its growth and canopy development. There are also no guidelines for optimum stocking densities for practitioners to follow. Therefore, the objective of this work was to evaluate scaling relationships between its growth in height, stem diameter and crown size and based on these relationships define stocking densities. In order to achieve this we: (1) modelled its growth in relation to plant density; (2) identified appropriate models for scaling stem height and diameter with crown size; (3) using information from step 2, we derived stocking densities under different scenarios. Crown diameter (CD) was found to scale with stem diameter (D) isometrically, while stem height scaled with CD allometrically. The scenarios derived using the CD–D scaling indicated that densities 〉50 plants ha −1 are untenable when DBH exceeds 40 cm. High initial densities (〉625 plants ha −1 ) appear to lead to rapid self-thinning. Starting with low initial densities (〈100 plants ha −1 ) was also expected to result in sub-optimal use of site resources and delayed net ecosystem production. As a compromise, we recommend establishment of stands at initial densities of about 625 trees ha −1 (or 4 m × 4 m spacing) and progressive thinning as stem diameter increases. The focus of this analysis has been on monoculture plantations of Faidherbia and the spacing may not be directly applicable where crops are integrated with trees. Therefore, we propose a follow-up study including modelling tree behaviour in mixed stands in order to refine recommendations.

Description: Regeneration to ensure sustainable production and conservation of mahogany species globally is considered very important to foresters, investors in plantation, conservationists and timber industries worldwide. Natural regeneration of the mahoganies has been found to be far less than the rate of exploitation hence strong efforts are being made to develop other methods to regenerate mahogany seedlings to augment the low natural replacement and to ensure sustainability. This study was commissioned to investigate the effect of rooting media (river-sand, top soil and a mix of the two (50:50 v/v) on the rooting ability of four mahogany species ( Khaya grandifoliola , K . ivorensis , Entandrophragma angolense and E. utile ) using non-mist propagators. We investigated the effects of the source of stem cutting within a shoot (top, middle and basal position) on the rooting ability of stem cuttings from the four species in river-sand. Roots per cutting, longest root length and rooting percentage differed significantly among species in all three rooting media. Rooting ability was greatest in K. grandifoliola , which exhibited the highest average rooting percentage (73 %), longest average single root (9.9 mm) and the most roots per cutting (4.9). Rooting percentage was higher in the Khaya species than in the Entandrophragma species in all three rooting media. The mixed medium had the highest rooting percentage and the highest number of roots per rooted cutting in the two Khaya species, while the topsoil media had the best rooting percentage in the Entandrophragma species. Rooting of the two Khaya species can be maximized using a mixture of river-sand and topsoil. Cutting position within a shoot had significant impact on rooting in all four species with rooting percentage being best from middle positions in all four species. However, length of longest root and the number of roots per rooted cutting varied between the middle and basal portions. The study provides useful information for vegetative propagation of leafy stem cutting of the four African mahogany species, which could contribute to regeneration and conservation of these important timber species in the tropics.

Description: Cyclocarya paliurus is a highly valued and multiple function tree species. There has been increasing interest in planting and managing C. paliurus for timber production and medical use owing to loss of harvestable acreage. Seed from six provenances was collected from the main natural range of this species. Significant variation in growth and wood properties was measured among the six provenances at age 7 years. Provenance mean height and DBH varied significantly from 730–991 and 6.7–10.0 cm, whereas provenance means of wood basic density and crystallinity ranged from 463–554 kg m −3 and 51.4–74.1 %, respectively. Mean provenance microfibril angle (MFA) at breast height ranged from 18.1° to 23.2°, while MFA at breast height varied from 11.0° to 34.5° among growth rings which showed a consistent pith-to-bark trend of declining angles. There was no significant relationship of growth rate with latitude or longitude of seed sources, however, provenances from low latitude and longitude grew faster at the trial site. Wood quality was significantly related to latitude of seed sources, showing a positive correlation for both wood basic density and wood crystallinity, but a highly negative association with MFA. Significant correlations between wood properties measured indicated that there exists a great opportunity to improve wood quality of C. paliurus through selection of juvenile trees with low MFA.

Description: This article uses the breeder’s equation, which predicts genetic gain in breeding programs, to frame a general discussion on breeding objectives, new phenotypic techniques for selection criteria and statistical models as applied to short rotation species. Short-rotation breeding programs are increasingly working on wood quality traits; however, we keep on treating them as if they were growth traits. Understanding tree-level patterns of variation can lead to alternative strategies for evaluation, analysis and inclusion in breeding objectives; which I describe in a pilot application in Pinus radiata in New Zealand. Finally I discuss the relationship between the breeder’s equation and formulations of linear mixed models, using genotype by environment interaction as example, to show the interplay between genetic evaluation and breeding strategies. There is tension between increasing complexity (and the implicitly promised flexibility), information recovery (as more parameters are poorly estimated) and computational demands. The latter can be tackled through much more computer power (a never-ending endeavor), exploiting features of the problem or moving back to a lower complexity level.

Description: Large-scale biogeographical shifts in forest tree distributions are predicted in response to the altered precipitation and temperature regimes associated with climate change. Adaptive forest management to climate change experienced in either stable or rapidly changing environments must consider this fact when carrying out reforestation programs or specifically assisted population migration for conservation purposes. The aim of this study was to compare field performance of eleven seed sources of Aleppo pine outplanted in core and marginal habitats and to assess their phenotypic plasticity for further screening under specific conditions in particular reforestation areas. We hypothesize that current marginal habitat due to low temperature is shifting toward conditions found on the core habitat and that current core habitat will shift toward warmer and drier marginal habitat. Our study reproduced real conditions of reforestation in potential future climatic conditions. Results suggest that it is difficult to predict Aleppo pine provenances’ performance in different natural sites from their performance at a single location, even though ‘Levante interior’ and ‘La Mancha’ seed sources showed the best overall response among sites. On a site basis, provenances were matched in groups according to their survival and growth responses. Seedlings grown from local seed sources or seed orchards performed better on the core habitat. However, as conditions shifted to marginal habitats, seedlings from climatically similar regions performed better than local sources at least in the short term; our findings suggest that new plantations in areas already affected by global change could be better adapted if they use alternative seed sources.

Description: Using large numbers of DNA markers to predict genetic merit [genomic selection (GS)] is a new frontier in plant and animal breeding programs. GS is now routinely used to select superior bulls in dairy cattle breeding. In forest trees, a few empirical proof of-concept studies suggest that GS could be successful. However, application of GS in forest tree breeding is still in its infancy. The major hurdle is lack of high throughput genotyping platforms for trees, and the high genotyping costs, though, the cost of genotyping will likely decrease in the future. There has been a growing interest in GS among tree breeders, forest geneticists, and tree improvement managers. A broad overview of pedigree reconstruction and GS is presented. Underlying reasons for failures of marker-assisted selection were summarized and compared with GS. Challenges of GS in forest tree breeding and the outlook for the future are discussed, and a GS plan for a cloned loblolly pine breeding population is presented. This review is intended for tree breeders, forest managers, scientist and students who are not necessarily familiar with genomic or quantitative genetics jargon.

Description:    The aim of this work was to study the effects of gap size and age on natural regeneration of endangered tree species Picea mongolica W. D. Xu, which is only found in the semi-arid region of Northern China. For this purpose, six random transect belts of varying size were established in Baiyinaobao Natural Reserve. The number, height and age of P. mongolica saplings were inventoried. Results show that the total number of saplings per hectare and corresponding number and relative share of saplings in height class I (0.1–0.99 m) decreased along with increasing gap size, opposite to height class III (6–9 m). In height class II (1–5.99 m) the number of saplings per hectare and their relative share increased first slightly and then decreased with the increase of gap size. The number of saplings and their relative share in each height class changed similarly with the increase in the distance to the edge of the mature stand ( p  〈 0.05). Gap age also significantly affect the number of saplings per hectare or their height distribution except in height class II. The distance to the mature stand edge played a very important role in the success of natural regeneration for species P. mongolica . Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-14 DOI 10.1007/s11056-012-9318-8 Authors Chao Zhang, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Urbanization and Ecological Restoration, East China Normal University, North Zhongshan Road, Shanghai, 200062 China Chun Jing Zou, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Urbanization and Ecological Restoration, East China Normal University, North Zhongshan Road, Shanghai, 200062 China Heli Peltola, School of Forest Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 80101 Joensuu, Finland Kai Yun Wang, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Urbanization and Ecological Restoration, East China Normal University, North Zhongshan Road, Shanghai, 200062 China Wen Duo Xu, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, 110016 China Journal New Forests Online ISSN 1573-5095 Print ISSN 0169-4286

Description:    Plants can assimilate amino acids from soils. This has been demonstrated in controlled environments and soils of various forest ecosystems. However, the role of root-absorbed amino acids in plant nitrogen nutrition is still poorly understood. We investigated the agroecological performance and nutrient use physiology of two conifers ( Abies fraseri and Pinus resinosa ) and one hardwood species (hybrid poplar) under amino acid fertilization. Arginine fertilizer (arGrow ® Complete) was applied at varying rates (0, 56, 112, 224, and 336 kg N/ha) and compared to an inorganic control treatment (ammonium sulfate 112 kg N/ha). Parameters monitored included tree growth response, foliar nitrogen concentration, and inorganic nitrogen leaching below the rootzone. Results obtained indicate a significant growth and foliar nitrogen response to amino acid treatments, with increasing amino acid application leading to greater growth and foliar nitrogen. However, rates two to three times higher than that of the inorganic control were necessary to provide similar growth and foliar nitrogen responses. These observations were suggested to be due to competition with soil microbes for organic nitrogen, growth inhibition due to the presence of large concentrations of amino acids, or adsorption to cation exchange sites. Amino acid applications did not increase the leaching of inorganic nitrogen due either to the binding of positively charged arginine cations to exchange sites or rapid mineralization followed by plant assimilation. Mineral nitrogen collected in leachate samples increased with the application rate suggesting at least some mineralization in high amino acid application rates. We conclude that growth response and nitrogen use physiology of these species when treated with arginine are largely controlled by soil processes including microbial competition and adsorption. Further studies are being conducted to confirm these hypotheses. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-15 DOI 10.1007/s11056-012-9317-9 Authors Alexa R. Wilson, Department of Forestry, Michigan State University, 126 Natural Resources Bldg, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA Pascal Nzokou, Department of Forestry, Michigan State University, 126 Natural Resources Bldg, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA Deniz Güney, Department of Forestry, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey Şemsettin Kulaç, Faculty of Forestry, Düzce University, Düzce, Turkey Journal New Forests Online ISSN 1573-5095 Print ISSN 0169-4286

Description:    Cultivating black truffle ( Tuber melanosporum Vittad.) is highly profitable in sites suitable for its development. Land use history is an important factor when choosing suitable habitat, and lands with non-ectomycorrhizal host species are recommended when introducing T. melanosporum -inoculated seedlings in order to reduce competition from native, soil-borne ectomycorrhizal (ECM) inoculum. Nearly every year Mediterranean wildfires cause the loss of forested lands where soil and climatic characteristics are suitable for truffle cultivation. Introducing T. melanosporum -inoculated seedlings in these sites could promote reforestation with a native ECM fungus and, in addition, may provide economic incentives. We tested the viability of burnt forest lands for truffle cultivation by introducing T. melanosporum -inoculated Quercus ilex seedlings in burnt forest sites with and without resprouting forest species which act as repositories for native ECM fungi. We also evaluated the role of the ECM host plants, which resprout after a forest fire, in the maintenance and dynamic processes of the ECM fungal community. The study followed a factorial design with two levels: (1) T. melanosporum -inoculated and non-inoculated Q. ilex seedlings and (2) presence and absence of ECM host plants resprouting after the fire. We established 10 experimental plots with 360 holm oaks. After four and a half years, the truffle-inoculated holm oaks maintained 36 % of their root tips colonized with T. melanosporum , and 10 years after plantations, 26.2 % of the surviving inoculated holm oaks displayed a “truffle burn” area. A greater ECM morphotype richness was associated with seedlings planted in plots with the presence of ECM host plants, whereas the T. melanosporum mycorrhizal ratio was constant. These results suggest that reforestation with T. melanosporum -inoculated seedlings can be successful following forest fires and highlights the competitiveness of this fungus within the ECM community in these soils. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-16 DOI 10.1007/s11056-012-9316-x Authors Juan Martínez de Aragón, Centre Tecnològic Forestal de Catalunya, Ctra. de Sant Llorenç de Morunys, km. 2, 25280 Solsona, Spain Christine Fischer, Centre Tecnològic Forestal de Catalunya, Ctra. de Sant Llorenç de Morunys, km. 2, 25280 Solsona, Spain José Antonio Bonet, Centre Tecnològic Forestal de Catalunya, Ctra. de Sant Llorenç de Morunys, km. 2, 25280 Solsona, Spain Antoni Olivera, Centre Tecnològic Forestal de Catalunya, Ctra. de Sant Llorenç de Morunys, km. 2, 25280 Solsona, Spain Daniel Oliach, Centre Tecnològic Forestal de Catalunya, Ctra. de Sant Llorenç de Morunys, km. 2, 25280 Solsona, Spain Carlos Colinas, Centre Tecnològic Forestal de Catalunya, Ctra. de Sant Llorenç de Morunys, km. 2, 25280 Solsona, Spain Journal New Forests Online ISSN 1573-5095 Print ISSN 0169-4286

Description:    This paper is an assessment of the effect of gap size on stand structure and species composition 48 years following treatment in a mixed broadleaf upland forest. Established in 1960, the study tests three circular openings, 15.2 m (0.02 ha), 45.7 m (0.16 ha), and 76.2 m (0.46 ha). Forty-eight years following treatment (2008) basal area, top height, and quadratic mean diameter were significantly lower in 15.2 m openings. Maple ( Acer spp.) species had the highest mean importance value across treatments (0.40). Trends suggest that species composition of dominant and codominant trees among opening sizes may have been influenced by shade tolerance adaptations of the species groups present. Whereas 15.2 m openings were dominated by shade tolerant maple species, 45.7 and 76.2 m openings produced a mixture of commercial species including shade intolerant species such as yellow-poplar ( Liriodendron tulipifera L.), trees of intermediate shade tolerance like oak ( Quercus spp.), and shade tolerant maple. Data further suggest the density of overstory oak was highest in the intermediate opening size (45.7 m), while yellow-poplar increased in the larger opening sizes. Evaluation of species shifts between 1981 and 2008 showed that relative basal area of maple increased across all treatments. Relative basal areas from 45.7 to 76.2 m openings suggest declines in yellow-poplar and other non-commercial species were balanced by increases in oak and maple. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-15 DOI 10.1007/s11056-012-9319-7 Authors John M. Lhotka, Department of Forestry, University of Kentucky, 210 T.P. Cooper Building, Lexington, KY 40546-0073, USA Journal New Forests Online ISSN 1573-5095 Print ISSN 0169-4286

Description:    Performances of Pinus taxa were studied to 10 years of age in two trials in each of Misiones and Entre Ríos provinces across the Mesopotamia region of Argentina. Taxa comprised 22 populations from sources in Argentina, Australia, Brazil and Zimbabwe including Pinus elliottii var. elliottii (P ee ), Pinus caribaea var. hondurensis (P ch ), their four, inter-specific hybrids (F 1 , F 2 and backcrosses from F 1 to P ch and to P ee —all as broadly based bulks); other P ee and Pinus taeda (P t ) comprised narrower or unspecified bulks. Variable numbers of taxa were missing at each site. Mean survival across sites at age 10 years ranged 53.2–91.3% averaging 74.2%. Analysis of variance of plot means indicated population effect was statistically significant ( p  〈 0.05) for all or most growth and quality traits at all sites. However, significant differences from the nominated check seedlot at the Entre Ríos sites (P ee , Australia) were extremely rare, while quite common at the northern, Misiones sites (check seedlot a P t population). In the Misiones trials, F 1 , F 2 and both backcross hybrids showed better stem straightness than P ee and P t from Argentina, generally with statistically significant differences ( p  〈 0.05). P t showed lowest forking scores (desirable). Taxon × environment interaction was statistically significant ( p  〈 0.01) for growth traits only ( p  〉 0.05). However, this interaction contributed an average of only 34.1% of the taxon variance suggesting a lack of practical importance. Taxa most suitable for deployment in the Mesopotamia region, Argentina are suggested. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-22 DOI 10.1007/s11056-012-9311-2 Authors Eduardo P. Cappa, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Instituto de Recursos Biológicos, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), De Los Reseros y Dr. Nicolás Repetto s/no, CP 1686, Hurlingham, Buenos Aires, Argentina Martín Marcó, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), E.E.A Concordia, C.C. No 34, CP 3200 Concordia, Entre Ríos, Argentina D. Garth Nikles, Department of Employment, Economic Development & Innovation, Horticulture and Forestry Science, Level 3A West, Ecosciences Precinct, GPO Box 267, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia Ian S. Last, Forestry Plantations Queensland Pty Ltd, Fraser Rd, Gympie, QLD 4570, Australia Journal New Forests Online ISSN 1573-5095 Print ISSN 0169-4286

Description:    Propagation of subtropical eucalypts is often limited by low production of rooted cuttings in winter. This study tested whether changing the temperature of Corymbia citriodora and Eucalyptus dunnii stock plants from 28/23°C (day/night) to 18/13°C, 23/18°C or 33/28°C affected the production of cuttings by stock plants, the concentrations of Ca and other nutrients in cuttings, and the subsequent percentages of cuttings that formed roots. Optimal temperatures for shoot production were 33/28°C and 28/23°C, with lower temperatures reducing the number of harvested cuttings. Stock plant temperature regulated production of rooted cuttings, firstly by controlling shoot production and, secondly, by affecting the ensuing rooting percentage. Shoot production was the primary factor regulating rooted cutting production by C. citriodora , but both shoot production and root production were key determinants of rooted cutting production in E. dunnii . Effects of lower stock plant temperatures on rooting were not the result of reduced Ca concentration, but consistent relationships were found between adventitious root formation and B concentration. Average rooting percentages were low (1–15% for C. citriodora and 2–22% for E. dunnii ) but rooted cutting production per stock plant (e.g. 25 for C. citriodora and 52 for E. dunnii over 14 weeks at 33/28°C) was sufficient to establish clonal field tests for plantation forestry. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-15 DOI 10.1007/s11056-012-9315-y Authors Stephen J. Trueman, Agri-Science Queensland, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, QLD 4558, Australia Tracey V. McMahon, Faculty of Science, Health and Education, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, QLD 4558, Australia Mila Bristow, Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation, Agri-Science Queensland, Locked Bag 16, Gympie, QLD 4570, Australia Journal New Forests Online ISSN 1573-5095 Print ISSN 0169-4286

Description:    Eucalyptus globulus is the most important forest species in Uruguay, with more than 250,000 ha of commercial plantations. Despite its high susceptibility to diseases, production losses caused by foliar diseases have not been properly quantified in this country. This study analyzes the effects of foliar damage on growth and survival using data from a progeny test of E. globulus naturally infected by Teratosphaeria leaf disease and eucalypt rust ( Puccinia psidii ). The severity of leaf spots and defoliation were quantified 8 months after planting and tree growth and mortality were evaluated 2, 4 and 6 years later. The trial had a high incidence of foliar damage, with a mean leaf spot severity of 28.7% and a mean defoliation of 37%. The greatest impact of foliar damage, both on growth rate and mortality, occurred in the first 2 years after damage was assessed. During this period, leaf spot severity less than 40% and defoliation below 50% did not affect growth, while survival was affected when leaf damage was 70% or greater. By the sixth year both stem growth and survival were affected by severe foliar damage (spotting or defoliation of 80% or more), with a loss of up to 25% in diameter and an accumulated mortality over 70%. It has been established for the first time that under the intensive Uruguayan productive conditions, E. globulus trees can tolerate a relatively high degree of leaf spotting or defoliation but severe foliar damage in the first months can cause considerable production losses, putting at risk the economical viability of this species. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-15 DOI 10.1007/s11056-012-9314-z Authors Gustavo Balmelli, Programa Nacional Forestal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Ruta 5, Km 386, Tacuarembó, Uruguay Sofía Simeto, Programa Nacional Forestal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Ruta 5, Km 386, Tacuarembó, Uruguay Nora Altier, Programa Nacional Forestal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Ruta 5, Km 386, Tacuarembó, Uruguay Virginia Marroni, Plant and Food Research, Private Bag 4704, Christchurch, New Zealand Julio J. Diez, Departamento de Producción Vegetal y Recursos Forestales, Instituto de Gestión Forestal Sostenible, Universidad de Valladolid, Avenida Madrid 44, Palencia, Spain Journal New Forests Online ISSN 1573-5095 Print ISSN 0169-4286

Description:    Aspen ( Populus tremuloides Michx.) and white spruce ( Picea glauca (Moench.) Voss) were planted 0.5 m apart in intimate mixtures in 5 × 4 m plots, with two moisture regimes—irrigation versus control—and five species compositions—pure aspen (Aw100), mixed aspen and spruce (Aw83Sw17, Aw50Sw50, Aw17Sw83), and pure spruce (Sw100), replicated six times. Fifth-year assessments indicated that irrigation increased individual tree growth (height, RCD, crown width), plot leaf area index (LAI), and wood biomass. Increased aspen composition reduced the availability of soil moisture and consequently the growth of individual trees. With increased aspen composition more growth was allocated to stem in aspen and to foliage in white spruce. Comparatively, aspen responded more to irrigation and thus their growth is more dependent on precipitation than that of spruce. Among the three growth variables assessed, height responded more to irrigation in both species. Equal mixtures and aspen-dominated mixtures in control plots had higher productivity in terms of total wood biomass in both absolute and relative terms. The implications of these findings are discussed in relation to managing aspen and white spruce mixedwood forests under increasing drought expected as a result of climate change. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-16 DOI 10.1007/s11056-011-9297-1 Authors Rongzhou Man, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Ontario Forest Research Institute, 1235 Queen St. E., Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 2E5, Canada Ken J. Greenway, Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, 9920—108th Street, Edmonton, AB T5K 2M4, Canada Journal New Forests Online ISSN 1573-5095 Print ISSN 0169-4286

Description:    We have evaluated the effects of improving substrate fertility on the growth and reproduction of a P. halepensis plantation in a restored limestone quarry on a stony calcareous regolith (R plots). The natural substrate was supplemented by adding a 0.2 m layer of a fine textured soil (RS plots) or a sewage sludge amended soil (RSS plots). The treatments were performed when the pines were 7 years old, and tree growth (height and trunk and canopy diameter) was monitored over the subsequent 12 years. The reproductive status of the trees was also measured when the pines were 20 years old. Tree growth was proportional to the amount of soil nutrients: 12 years after treatment the mean height of the R, RS and RSS trees was 1.5, 3.1 and 6.2 m respectively and growth increases over the baseline were 76, 264 and 632%. The treatment also affected the age of onset of reproduction (15, 11 and 9 years, respectively), the average number of cones per tree (12, 43 and 61), and the amount of seeds per cone (37, 52 and 72), but did not modify the germination percentage of pine seeds (ca 71.5%). Soil organic carbon increased proportionally to the vegetation development, contributing to carbon sequestration. These results suggest that improving the nutritional status of the soil not only improves the growth of trees, but it also ameliorates their reproductive ability (earlier reproduction onset and larger seed crop size). Implications for soil restoration through afforestation are also discussed. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-17 DOI 10.1007/s11056-011-9286-4 Authors O. Ortiz, CREAF (Center for Ecological Research and Forestry Applications), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain G. Ojeda, Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, IMAR—Institute of Marine Research, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal J. M. Espelta, CREAF (Center for Ecological Research and Forestry Applications), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain J. M. Alcañiz, CREAF (Center for Ecological Research and Forestry Applications), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain Journal New Forests Online ISSN 1573-5095 Print ISSN 0169-4286